Curated OER
Longitude-Dava Sobel
In this longitude instructional activity, students read about how to determine the longitude of location while at sea and they answer 5 questions about calculating longitude.
Curated OER
Finding Latitudes and Longitudes
Students analyze Columbus' rationale for sailing west, and find the latitude and longitude of modern and ancient place names.
Space Awareness
Navigating with the Kamal
Historians have proven that as early as 1497 skilled navigators were using a kamal to sail across oceans. Scholars learn about navigation tools and astronomy before building their own kamals. They then learn how to use it to determine...
Curated OER
A Whaling Voyage
Students plot the track of a whaling voyage and relate it to ocean currents. They need to explain and use latitude and longitude to plot ship positions on the globe.
Curated OER
Follow That Ship!
Learners in this exercise are introduced to the distinct ways of measuring distance (nautical miles) and speed (knots) at sea, as well as the concepts of latitude and longitude for establishing location.
Curated OER
Where in The World Am I?
Learners explore the concept of absolution location. In this geography skills lesson, students discuss how to identify and locate latitude and longitude. Learners play a game to reinforce the skills.
Curated OER
1492: Using Data to Explain a Journey
Students examine how Christopher Columbus made his way across the Atlantic. In this data lesson students use an Internet program to navigate like Columbus.
Curated OER
The Geophysics And Cultural Aspects of the Greater Antilles
Students determine location by using longitude and latitude. They measure to the minute longitude and latitude of a place and select a body of land and determine its location. They approximate time zones by using every 15 degrees of...
Curated OER
Geography Search: The New World
Learners explore the "New World". They collect geographic information related to the ocean, latitude and stars, longitude and time, wind patterns, and the weather. They analyze the geographic data and make decisions to plot their...
Curated OER
The Pilgrims
Students use distance measuring tools to follow directions and chart the path the pilgrims made from Plymouth, England to Boston, Massachusetts. For this Pilgrim voyage lesson, students use a map to chart the distance traveled by the...
Curated OER
Research Cruise Scavenger Hunt
Young scholars track the research cruise of the Ronald H. Brown from San Diego to the Galapagos Islands. They match research groups with the key words, using the ship's daily logs to find the answers.
Curated OER
A Star to Steer Her By
Students determine their latitude using a protracdtor and/or cross-staff to find the altitude of Polaris.
Curated OER
Where Am I?
Extensive background on marine navigation is provided for you as the teacher. Assign groups to research marine navigation techniques and construct astrolabes. Resource links are listed for extension ideas. If you are teaching an...
Curated OER
An Age of Exploration
Students investigate U.S. history by examining North American timelines. In this American exploration lesson, students research the events that led to Columbus finding America and participate in a jeopardy game regarding his adventure....
Curated OER
Where Am I?
Sudents examine the types of instruments that can be used for marine navigation and position-finding. They practice using an astrolabe to solve trigonometric problems.
Curated OER
The West "The People": The Lewis and Clark Expedition
Fourth graders become familiar with the conditions facing the members of the Expedition in the early 1800's, as well as the causes and consequences of the Expedition. They describe the conditions of the land in the 1800's and during the...
Curated OER
An Adventure to the New World
Fifth graders role play the position of an explorer traveling to the new world. They research the explorers journey and create their own explorer's notebook. They complete different activities and then present their evidence to the class.
Curated OER
Magellan
Students identify the route of Magellan's voyage. In this map skills lesson, students use a globe to identify various coordinates where Magellan traveled.
Curated OER
The Gold Rush
Students identify the routes involved in the Gold Rush on a map. In this map skills lesson, students use a United States map to locate the routes used to travel to California during the Gold Rush. Students demonstrate how to use the map...