“New Frontiers in Geography” is the theme of the Royal Geographical Society’s conference at 1 Kensington Gore, London SW7, on February 10. Topics include globalisation, managing rural landscapes in Nepal, Tomlinson Report, Ofsted update and evaluation, GCSE pilot and risk assessment in fieldwork. Fee: Pounds 35; pound;29 members (includes lunch).

Tel: 020 7591 3007

www.rgs.org

The Geographical Association’s annual conference on “The Significance and Uniqueness of Places Worldwide” will be at Derby University from March 30 to April 1. Speakers include Bill Chambers, GA president, who will talk on his work in the slums of Lima, and Jonathan Porritt, chair of the Sustainable Development Commission.

Email: Loxley@geography.org.uk

www.geography.org.ukannual_conferenceindex.html

The Geographical Association offers professional development units which are recognised by the General Teaching Council. Forthcoming units include: getting started with geographical information systems, Stafford, February 26; leading the leading department, London, June 20; using interactive whiteboards in primary geography, London, October 1.

Email: Loxley@geography.org.uk; www.geography.org.ukpduindex.html

WEBSITES

GIS Zone, recently added to the Ordnance Survey’s Map Zone, features a series of role-play missions to help young people work with digital maps. Tasks include stopping flood waters, managing a farm, and deciding where to site wind turbines.

www.ordnancesurvey.co.ukeducation

Schools registering on the Spring Day in Europe site will be able to learn about EU developments as well as debate topics that interest them. On-site activities run until the first day of spring, March 17.

http:futurum2005.eun.org

AWARDS

Teachers have until February 14 to apply to take part in an Earthwatch UK field research project lasting two to six days. The scheme includes a pound;125 grant towards a conservation or environmental education project involving children. Volunteers work alongside scientists on projects ranging from unearthing dinosaur footprints to monitoring whale and dolphin behaviour in the Inner Hebrides.

Tel: 01865 318826

Email: awards@earthwatch.org.uk www.earthwatch.orgeurope