2004 UC Proceedings Abstract
 Simplifying Urban Geography Concepts: A Teaching Tool for K-16 Educators Track: Education Author(s): Lisa Theo A constant struggle for teachers at all levels is finding ways to successfully teach students complex theories and concepts. Student comprehension is often enhanced by applying these theories and concepts to real world situations. This project demonstrates Central Place Theory by examining highway billboard signs along major Wisconsin highways. In addition, the concepts of range, threshold, intervening opportunities, complementarity, and transferability are also demonstrated. Using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and ArcMap, data was collected on the location, distribution, and type of establishment advertised. Using statistical and spatial analysis this paper demonstrates the ease of explaining complex urban theories to many age groups. Lesson plans applicable for elementary school, middle school, high school, and post-secondary classes are included. These lesson plans will give teachers at each educational level a method for student collection of comparable data analysis. Lisa Theo UW, Eau Claire Geography and Anthropology 254 Phillips Hall UW-Eau Claire Eau Claire , WI 54702 US Phone: 715-836-2316 Fax: 715-836-6027 E-mail: theolj@uwec.edu |
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