National Wildlife Federation
Get Your Techno On
Desert regions are hotter for multiple reasons; the lack of vegetation causes the sun's heat to go straight into the surface and the lack of moisture means none of the heat is being transferred into evaporation. This concept, and other...
Curated OER
A world of oil
Students practice in analyzing spatial data in maps and graphic presentations while studying the distribution of fossil fuel resources. They study, analyze, and map the distribution of fossil fuels on blank maps. Students discuss gas...
Association of American Geographers
Project GeoSTART
Investigate the fascinating, yet terrifying phenomenon of hurricanes from the safety of your classroom using this earth science unit. Focusing on developing young scientists' spacial thinking skills, these lessons engage learners in...
Annenberg Foundation
Reading Maps
Can you read a map? Scholars use an interactive technology tool to analyze maps of various kinds to gather evidence and data to better understand their meanings and usefulness. Using newly obtained knowledge, they form an interpretation...
Curated OER
Using Maps to Make Public Health Descisions Case Study: Harmful Algal Blooms in the Gulf of Mexico
Students are introduced to GIS and its uses. Students participate as public health scientists to deliberate a course of action to explore possible research questions. Pupils interpret spatial data, and make predictions based on GIS data,...
Curated OER
Lesson 1: Map Data and the Census
Learners learn about the history of the census. For this U. S. Census lesson plan, students develop an understanding about how the United States Constitution grants and distributes power and discover how the spatial organization of...
Curated OER
Mapping Exercise
For this mapping worksheet, students are given data of children exposed to health risks and their geographical location. Students plot each child's home and the risk factors using an (x, y) grid. They answer 2 questions about the...
Curated OER
NIGHT AND DAY: DAILY CYCLES IN SOLAR RADIATION
Students examine how Earth's rotation causes daily cycles in solar energy using a microset of satellite data to investigate the Earth's daily radiation budget and locating map locations using latitude and longitude coordinates.
Curated OER
Fractile vs. Equal
Students compare and contrast methods of categorizing data. In this data collection instructional activity, students complete worksheet activities that require them to note the differences between equal and fractile intervals. Students...
National Geographic
Mapping the Shape of Everest
With Mount Everest as the motivator, your earth science class learns about topographic maps. Begin by showing a film clip from The Wildest Dream: Conquest of Everest, featuring fearsome virtual imagery of a path up world's tallest peak....
Curated OER
Map-A-Buddy
Middle schoolers investigate the concept of tracking and spatial movements of animals in relation to the environment in which they live. They participate in an interactive activity by tracking one another over a pre-defined region,...
Science 4 Inquiry
An Investigative Look at Florida's Sinkholes
In May of 1981, the Winter Park Sinkhole in Florida first appeared and is now referred to as Lake Rose. Scholars learn about the causes of sinkholes through an inquiry project. Then, they analyze recent data and draw conclusions to...
Curated OER
Where Should We Put a Store?
Students analyze population data. They convert population data into simple density maps to help make decisions about their world. They select the best location for a school store based on population density. They present their maps...
Curated OER
Hurricanes and Climate
Students investigate maps and data to learn about the connections between hurricanes and climate. In this exploratory lesson students describe and graph the 6 regions where hurricanes happen and discuss how hurricanes have changed over...
Curated OER
Tables, Charts and Graphs
Students examine a science journal to develop an understanding of graphs in science. In this data analysis lesson, students read an article from the Natural Inquirer and discuss the meaning of the included graph. Students create a...
Curated OER
Using GIS to Construct Water Table Maps and Flow Nets
Students examine how to use GIS software to analyze patterns of groundwater flow. Seepage lake elevation data from the Sand Hills of Nebraska is used to construct a water table map and flow net using Esri's Arc Map software.
Teach Engineering
Searching for Bigfoot and Others Like Him
Individuals create a GIS data layer in Google Earth that displays information about where one might find seven different cryptids. The class members research to find data on cryptid sightings they can include in their data layer.
Curated OER
Map that Habitat
Students participate in an activity that replicates the creation of sea floor bathymetry by taking a simplified form of soundings in the classroom. They discuss sea floor mapping technologies, sonar, soundings, and remote sensing,...
Curated OER
Mapping Lab and Lead Poisoning
Students are introduced to GIS and its uses. They make predictions before viewing the actual lead poisoning cases by location of Dade County. Pupils use actual Miami-Dade County spatial data to explore basic principals. Students
Teach Engineering
What is GIS?
Is GIS the real manifestation of Harry Potter's Marauders Map? Introduce your class to the history of geographic information systems (GIS), the technology that allows for easy use of spatial information, with a resource that teaches...
Curated OER
Introducing Topographic Maps: Guiding Students from Concrete Models to Graphic Representations
Students interpret topographic maps and infer human activity as it is influenced by the landscape.
Curated OER
Mapping Your Schoolyard Habitat
Students explore the terrain, structures, plants and signs of habitats around their schoolyard. They draw a sketch map showing the different areas around the schoolyard. Students identify the location of weeds and native plants on their...
Curated OER
Race and Ethnicity in the United States
Students explore race and ethnicity as it is defined by the U. S. Census Bureau. They compare data from 1900, 1950, and 2000 and identify settlement patterns and changes in population. In groups, they map these changes and discuss...
Curated OER
Changing Planet: Permafrost Gas Leak
Pair earth scientists up to use an amazing online arctic portal mapping tool and Google Earth to analyze permafrost changes. They compare changes to data on atmospheric concentrations of methane to see if there is a correlation. Then...