Curated OER
The Changing Landscape
Students explore how the landscape is constantly changing. In this landscape lesson, students identify a building under construction on the Landscape Picture Map. Students discuss the purpose of the construction and the effect on the...
Curated OER
World Map and Globe- Introduction to Symbols
Students investigate picture symbols. In this symbols instructional activity, students define symbols and discuss symbols that they see in everyday life. Students identify symbols on maps by using post-it notes.
Curated OER
Mapping Districts
Young scholars use maps to learn about the U.S. Census. In this 2010 Census lesson plan, students visualize census data on maps, use map keys to read population maps, and explore the concept of population density.
Curated OER
Lesson 2: Mapping Sub-districts
Students learn more about the census. In this mapping sub-districts lesson plan, students visualize census data on a map, use a map key to read a population map, and better understand the concept of population density.
Curated OER
Where Is Japan? What Direction Is It?
First graders locate countries on maps and globes and learn about the hemispheres and the cardinal directions. They listen to books read out loud and dicuss geography.
Curated OER
A Child's Daily Life in South Africa
Learners listen to the book, Not So Fast Songololo, and locate South Africa on a map. They identify similarities between the daily life of a child in South Africa and America, and write a letter and draw a picture to a child in South...
Indian Land Tenure Foundation
Indian Trust Lands
An important aspect of studying Native American history is understanding the nature of trust lands. Budding historians will learn that as Native Americans were removed from their home lands, trust lands were provided in the form of...
Curated OER
Garb and Grub Across the Globe
First graders discuss what part of the world their ancestors came from. They locate the locations on a map and discuss the differences and similarities of each continent and their people. They become familiar with the traditional...
Curated OER
Bradford England
Young scholars explore the locality and diversity of culture within the Bradford District of England. Through map activities and discussion, they identify the major forms of transport, people and places in the region. Students compare...
Curated OER
Mapping the Garden
Learners discuss maps, the features on a map, and why maps are important. They make a map of a garden they will be planting, complete with symbols that represent the various plants they choose to plant.
Curriculum Corner
Australian Christmas
Where is Australia? How is an Australian Christmas from other Christmases around the world? Learners participate in a mini-research project where they discover what an Australian Christmas is like.
Teaching Tolerance
Community Spotlight Cards
Not all heroes wear capes—or cleats. Class members identify unsung heroes in their schools or towns for interviews, then create trading cards. A celebration including presentations or trading of cards completes their investigation of...
Peace Corps
Family
Family traditions are the focus of a lesson that explores the lives of children in India and those in your classroom. Scholars examine their own family roles and traditions, then respond to an informative text detailing a young...
Curated OER
Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A Pirate's Map for Me: An Original Story
Students read Blackbeard and brainstorm their knowledge of maps. In this language arts and geography lesson, students use landmarks on their playground to review north, south, east and west and discuss the compass rose. Students read...
Curated OER
Christopher Columbus
Help first graders gain an understanding of the beginnings of our nation by learning more about Christopher Columbus. They begin by listening to a read aloud of Christopher Columbus and His Voyage to the New World (another title...
Curated OER
Jordan's Neighborhood: Using a Compass Rose
A neighborhood map is a great way to practice compass rose and key skills! Use these 2 worksheets to introduce these concepts through reading and comprehension activities. First, students look at 3 compasses, circling their favorite and...
Curated OER
Lesson Plan for Cricket's Supper
Interested in a special folktale to read with your class? Then this lesson might be for you. Readers will build an understanding of the food chain while creating a storyboard that includes the characters, setting, and plot of the story....
Curated OER
Max Knows Mexicao, United States and Canada
Students utilize their map skills to explore the regions of North America. They explore the physical characteristics and climates of the regions. Students label their map and prepare a presentation of their findings.
Curated OER
Children's Literature Across the Curriculum Ideas-Polar, The Titanic Bear
Students read Polar, The Titanic Bear by Daisy Corning Stone Spedden. They complete a variety of cross-curricular activities surrounding this true story of a toy bear that survived the sinking of the Titanic. Included are reading, art,...
Curated OER
Equator, North Pole, and South Pole
Pupils identify the Equator, North Pole, and South Pole on the globe. In this map skills lesson, students use a globe marker to locate specific locations on the globe. Pupils find where they live in relation to the Equator.
Curated OER
Geography: Continents
First graders identify basic geographical facts about the world they live in and distinguish between land and water on a globe. They research the continents and information associated with each one focusing on building their map skills.
Curated OER
Travel to Mesoamerica
Students research books, watch movies, and look on the internet to find information on ancient America, Mexico, and Central America. In this Mesoamerica lesson plan, students participate in a social studies unit on North America of the...
Curated OER
Locating Places
Students demonstrate how to use the map grid system. In this map skills instructional activity, students are given coordinates to locate several locations on a world map. Students use the map grid system to identify these locations.
Curated OER
The Gingerbread Man Trail
What a fun way to familiarize your young learners with friendly faces on campus! Scholars read "The Gingerbread Man," discussing the characters he meets. Then, they examine a map of the campus, placing photos of employees (such as the...