The web site allows teachers to navigate easily between its various components which include a brief history of geography, the original five themes and six elements of the national standards, the elements and standards of the Social Studies Course of Study, lessons related to each of the standards,  and resources to complement the lessons. 

The lessons are crafted using the inquiry method familiar to all teachers.  The format follows the one used in teacher training institutes by the National Geographic Society and the Alabama Geographic Alliance.  The lessons are linked directly to the content standards of the 7th Grade World Geography Course and are examples of how the standards can be taught. These lessons should give teachers ideas for other approaches to teach 7th grade students. 

Teachers may download all of this information and use it for educational purposes only.  When used beyond the classroom, credit should be given to the website and to the author of the lesson.  None of the material may be used for commercial purposes.  

This web site was funded by grants from the Alabama State Department of Education and the Alabama Geographic Alliance and were administered by Dr. Bill Strong, Professor of Geography at the University of North Alabama and co-coordinator of the Alabama Geographic Alliance.  

Lisa Keys-Mathews, Assistant Professor of Geography, and Jennifer Atwell, Geography student at the University of North Alabama, designed and developed these web pages.  

Brenda Webb, Kilby School teacher and 1998 Alabama Science Teacher of the Year, was the principle editor of the lessons.  

The names of the teachers who contributed their expertise and imagination in writing the lessons are acknowledged in the titles. Also recognized are two individuals at the State Department of Education,  Judy Cooper, social studies specialist, and Regina Stringer, course of study specialist, who facilitated the development of the new Social Studies Course of Study upon which the contents of this web site are based. 

 All questions and comments should be addressed via e-mail to Lisa Keys-Mathews or Bill Strong.