This new series, Critical Thinking about Geography, links geography and critical thinking skills. Maps help us to understand local environments, cultures, economics and so much more.

Critical Thinking about Geography: South America has 15 lessons that engage students in opportunities to practice and apply the geography skills and concepts they are learning. Politically and culturally, South America is experiencing a renaissance and greater power in the world community.  Students everywhere need to understand the ways in which the South American landscape affects its people and changing geopolitical structures.

Sample topics include:

• Reading a Political Map
• South America in the World: Understanding Map Projections
• Discovering South America's Climates
• Environmental Problems in the Amazon Rainforest

The dozens of maps in the book serve as a springboard for discussion, classroom activities, and further research. Activities are designed to take 20-30 minutes each.

A debriefing discussion after each map lesson provides an opportunity for students to reflect on their experiences and synthesize their thinking. It also provides an additional opportunity for informal assessment to assist instructional planning. Each book includes a fully searchable CD-ROM of the contents.

For geography classes, or to complement social studies, world culture, and world history curricula, Critical Thinking about Geography: South America prepares students for skills they will need in the 21st century. Addressing National Geography Standards, this title is ideal for whole class, small group, or individual instruction.

Take a look at the Critical Thinking About Geography series.