[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 140 (Thursday, October 8, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1960]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        GEOGRAPHY AWARENESS WEEK

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                             HON. BOB STUMP

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 7, 1998

  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, during the week of November 15-21, the 
Arizona Geographic Alliance will be celebrating Arizona's Geography 
Awareness Week. The Alliance has worked closely with the Governor, 
local mayors and school superintendents to recognize the week in the 
public schools. The National Geographic Society, the State of Arizona, 
and Arizona State University supports Geography Awareness Week.
  The purpose of the week of programs is to illustrate the importance 
of geography education. Studying geography is much more than just 
locating a city, state or country on a map. Students of geography learn 
about direction, climate, physical and social characteristics of a 
region, methods of travel, cultural differences, monetary systems, and 
environmental settings. A thorough understanding of geography offers an 
understanding needed for many of today's jobs. Geographic education 
also opens the mind to the world and experiences beyond our own 
boundaries.
  I commend the members of the Arizona Geographic Alliance for their 
promotion of the importance of geography education. Hopefully, other 
states will join Arizona in creating a Geography Awareness Week to 
renew interest in our ever-changing global environment.

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