Malcolm L. Comeaux

Learning geography promotes learning math: Results and implications of Arizona's GeoMath grade K-8 program

Abstract The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation has resulted in declining classroom time dedicated to geography instruction, especially in grades K-8. To combat this problem, a National Geographic Society Grosvenor grant provided resources allowing 28 teacher-authors to generate a package of more than 80 lessons that combine the teaching of geography and mathematics skills tested on Arizonas state mandated testing. When taught in 113 piloting classrooms that mirror Arizonas student demographics, GeoMath lessons generated statistically significant increases in performance in math skills and improved understanding of geography standards. In addition, a fourth of the K-8 piloting teachers surveyed felt that teaching GeoMath lessons increased in their level of comfort in teaching mathematics. Given the success of this GeoMath strategy, and a prior GeoLiteracy program, we advocate here a national agenda of articulating geography curriculum to high-stakes tested subjects of reading and math.

Returning Home: The Interstate Transportation of Human Remains

Many people who die in the United States are transported across state boundaries for burial at a place viewed as “home” by the decedent or the next of kin. This article employs an analysis of data from death certificates to explore the transportation of human remains from Arizona where, in 1983, 17.1 percent of those who died were shipped beyond the state. A sample of 783 removals reveals a predominant geographical pattern of flows to the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes states. This pattern is the reverse of recent patterns of both seasonal (“snowbird”) and permanent in-migration of the living to Arizona. A propensity for individuals to be transported back to their state of birth or to their most recent previous residence is also revealed.

Creating indian lands: the boundary of the salt river indian community

Pima and Maricopa Indians lived in central Arizona along the Gila River when the first whites arrived. Because whites removed much water upstream on the Gila, these agricultural Indians were in dire straits throughout the 1870s. About half migrated to the Salt River Valley where there was considerably more water. Cultural clashes and conflict over land led to troubles between whites and Indians, and the government established a particularly large reservation as a temporary measure to protect Indian rights. Considerable political quarreling developed over this reservation, and most whites (Arizona authorities, local citizens, military officers, land speculators, an Indian agent, and others) tried to get the reservation size reduced. The Indians concerned, plus government officials, would have preferred returning water to the Gila Reservation, but such a move would have taken considerable time, and Arizonans were opposed to the idea. The large reservation was soon abolished and a much smaller one established for the Pimas and Maricopas in the Salt River Valley. This smaller reservation has been expanded slightly over time.

Death out of State: Arizonans who die Elsewhere

Many individuals in America die in distant states, sometimes quite far from what is considered their residence. This study employs an analysis of death certificates in order to explore the geography of death away from home. The state of Arizona, 807 residents of which died out-of-state in 1984, is used as a case study. This study reveals that most out-of-state deaths did not occur randomly around the United States, but rather occurred in adjacent states, and in those states that have strong cultural and economic ties to Arizona. Most deaths occurred in summer months, when most Arizonans can be expected to be out of the state. Finally, it appears that minorities do not travel much out of Arizona, except for Navajo Indians, who are a very special case.

Fred Kniffen's Contributions to Understanding French Louisian

Fred Kniffens contributions to a better understanding of French Louisiana are many and varied. As a student of culture, he soon after his arrival in Louisiana recognized the uniqueness found in the states French area. He was always an outsider looking in on the French people and their ways, and as such he could see the unique and different traits of their culture. Kniffen was never judgmental, and enjoyed the uniqueness of the culture. Although published on French Louisiana, particularly on material culture, his greatest contribution was in encouraging research. Consequently, several students did masters and doctoral work in French Louisiana, gathering and recording a wealth of information. Most of this information would have been lost had he not encouraged the research, as the French culture is becoming Americanized very quickly. It would have been a great loss had Kniffen not come to spend his academic career at Louisiana State University.

Use of Hoop Nets in the Mississippi River Basin

The use of hoop nets is an old method of taking fish in the Mississippi River system, dating back to the 1860s. Since its introduction, the hoop net has been the single most important fishing tool in these inland waters. Hoop nets are successful for two reasons: 1) they are very efficient at catching fish, and 2) they are ideally suited to the needs of the individual fisherman along rivers. Hoop nets also can be used in many different environmental situations and in all seasons. In studying hoop nets, one is examining a folk occupation that dates back well into the last century, and one that exhibits few changes in the last 100 years. The most important change in hoop nets has been the introduction of nylon twine. The use of nylon greatly simplified the lives of fishermen and allowed them to use greater numbers of nets, since nylon nets require little care or maintenance and they last a long time. As long as there is a demand for river fish, hoop nets will be used in Americas inland waters, and folk fish...