Understanding geography and government begins at the local level. Using maps and the parts of a newspaper, a unit plan introduces the concept of community. It starts with the creation of classroom and school maps, and then moves through...

Fill-out a story map to help your scholars with pre-writing. They will use a story map template to pre-write. They also organize their ideas into steps which become the foundation for their first draft. Concrete objects are brought in to...

Learners explore basic map skills. In this United States geography lesson, students define "country" and "state," locate their state on a United States map, and identify and trace state boundaries defining their state and surrounding...

Young geographers complete a research project. They list the physical features found in the American South. They then discuss the economy, culture, and geography found in the South. They work in groups to research one of the five...

Students explore symbols. In this beginning map lesson, students identify common picture symbols. Students place post-it notes with symbols drawn on them in the appropriate place on a map.

Young scholars practice locating positions on the world map. In this map skills lesson, students explore the world map and items such as the compass rose, Equator, mountains, cities, etc. The young scholars practice locating positions on...

Young scholars brainstorm prior knowledge of Ancient Egypt, locate Egypt on map of Africa and on world map, watch King Tut film, discuss term biography, and map geographical information mentioned in stories and documentaries about...

Students locate country capitals on a world map. In this map skills lesson, students review the definition of the word country and discuss what a capital is. Students locate and label capital cities on a world map using a map marker.

Students identify countries on a world map. In this map skills lesson plan, students define the word "country" and use post-it notes to locate several countries on a world map.

Students explore the concept of cardinal directions. In this geography lesson, students identify the compass rose on a large U. S. map and then discuss the cardinal directions.

Students explore water located near where they live. In this map skills maritime lesson, students use Google Maps to find their school and the body of water closest to them. Students research the body of water and answer questions about it.

First graders discuss "Harold and the Purple Crayon" and his drawings. In this neighborhood geography instructional activity, 1st graders learn to detect and classify places on a map including their home. Students recognize their address...

Students become acquainted with the geography and culture of Korea.  In this Korean trip lesson, students view a video about Korea and read about the country.  Students sample snacks and possibly learn a Korean phrase as they...

First graders use landmarks to describe relative locations of a place. In this geography and mapping lesson plan, 1st graders draw picture maps of their bedrooms to show an object's location in relation to other objects. As an...

Students explore world geography by researching a science book with their classmates. In this desert identification lesson, students utilize a U.S. map to locate the geographical locations of deserts. Students create an oral report based...

First graders place stickers on maps indicating their understanding of the cardinal directions. They locate Jamestown, England, the Atlantic, and Virginia.

Students watch a portion of "The Wizard of Oz" and discuss how a map could be useful to Dorothy. They identify key components of maps and design a map of their classroom, including a key.

Young adventurers embark on a journey, setting sail along the blue ocean with Christopher Columbus. Teachers will find that this unit makes their lesson planning smooth sailing!

Students study the customs and beliefs of the Chinese people as they experience Chinese New Year; students become aware that they live on one planet but their festivals and holidays vary.

Students identify neighborhood, town, and state boundaries. They distinguish between natural and man-made boundaries. They identify major state geological features and explain how NH boundaries have changed over time.

Students are introduced to basic map and globe skills. Using the internet, they identify and locate the seven continents and complete a blank map to reinforce the names of the continents. They also distinguish between land masses and...

Where is France? Interest young learners in exploring France, French language, and French culture. They identify similarities and differences between French and American families, speak the French words for family members, analyze maps,...

Students build a small city by using a half-gallon milk or juice carton to "build" a miniature home. They decorate their buildings with construction paper, yarn, beads, or whatever they have and become mailmen, delivering Valentine's to...

First graders recall names and placement of 7 continents. They recall cardinal directions. They identify and locate 3 oceans.