Curated OER
Topo Map Mania!
Students read and use topographical maps. They also use a compass to find bearing to an object on a map and in the classroom. Ask your students how they might travel to somewhere they have never been to befo
Curated OER
True North, Magnetic North
Students explain why compass angles need to be corrected for regional magnetic variation. They observe the difference between magnetic and true north. Each student measures the angle of variation for a town in a different state.
Curated OER
Ecology Explorers
Students create accurate, detailed map showing physical features, plants and trees, and other details of three school sites.
PHET
Mapping the Ambient Magnetic Field
No GPS allowed! High school scientists continue to explore magnetic fields with a hands-on activity. After mapping the ambient magnetic field in the classroom and completing data analysis, they write about the similarities and...
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
Science Inquiry Lesson: Mapping Project
Young scholars explore the methods of creating maps. They create a map of Animas River Park using a compass and measuring tape, develop a single map from the team map sections, and devise another map of the Animas River Park using a GPS...
Curated OER
Science: Reading a Compass
Students demonstrate how to take bearings using a compass. In pairs, they select objects in the classroom then write down its first initial and bearing. They exchange papers and try to disciver their partner's object.
Curated OER
Drake's West Indian Voyage 1588-1589
Students investigate several maps detailing Sir Francis Drake's voyages. In this geography lesson plan, students practice reading maps and locating the precise locations of where Sir Francis Drake visited. Students create an outline of...
California Academy of Science
Which Way is North?
Who needs a compass to find cardinal directions? Just place a stick in the ground and record the movement of its shadow over the course of a day. Then, measure the shadow lengths in order to determine a north-south line. A simple...
Curated OER
Map your Schoolyard
Students practice their mapping skills by creating an accurate map of their schoolyard using an aerial photo from the National Map web site. Students include legends, a scale, and a north arrow on their maps.
Curated OER
Maps as Models of Earth
Eighth graders use different types of maps to find locations and surface features. In this map-reading lesson students use a compass to find direction.
Curated OER
Lesson on GPS
Students investigate global positioning systems. In this technology and mapping lesson plan, students view a PowerPoint presentation in which they identify the features of a GPS, state its uses, and follow steps to find a waypoint.
Curated OER
Orienteering
Students acquaint with co-participants and identify the practice basic compass functions and orienteering procedures. They also work together to solve a small challenge. Students then identify how the challenge of orienteering relates...
Curated OER
TE Activity: Northward Ho!
Students design a simple compass. They examine how the Earth's magnetic field has both horizontal and vertical components. They determine how a compass works and work with cardinal directions.
Curated OER
People Change the Landscape
Students examine ways in which humans have brought change to the natural environment. In this ecology and literacy lesson, students listen to the book Island Boy by Barbara Cooney. Students observe and define map-reading vocabulary as...
Space Awareness
How To Travel On Earth Without Getting Lost
Have you ever wanted to travel the world? Take a virtual trip with a geography lesson that uses longitude and latitude, the position of the sun, an astronomy app, and a classroom globe.
Curated OER
MAPPING THE SCHOOL FOREST
Students measure distances and directions using paces and a compass. They determine their own pace, explore how to read a compass bearing, and how to take bearings on given sites.
Curated OER
Basic Orienteering
Students study orienteering. In this science lesson, students study the parts of a compass and use the compass to set a bearing and follow the bearing on the compass.
Curated OER
Stranded along the Coast
Students plot stranding sites onto a map using latitude and longitude as well as compass directions with respect to coastal features. They identify several species of marine animals that might become stranded; distinguish their...
Curated OER
The Ridge Exploring Robot
Students study about an autonomous underwater vehicle and explain the strategies that it uses to locate and map hydrothermal vents. In this marine navigation lesson students design a program for an AUV survey.
Curated OER
Mapping A Stream
Students participate in mapping an actual waterway. They include reach lengths, transects, compass reading, and scale determinations. They include windfalls, plant cover, types of streambed composition, and landmarks such as trees and...
Curated OER
Make Your Own "Weather" Map
Students create their own "weather" map using data from x-ray sources. They analyze and discuss why it is important to organize data in a fashion in which is easy to read. They compare and contrast different x-ray sources using a stellar...
Curated OER
Location
Students explore the tools used by Columbus to chart his latitude. They study the change of a location over time.
Curated OER
Cartography
Students research about cartography and how to be a cartographer. In this math lesson, students draw a map of their classroom. They use a robot to explore navigation using a compass rose.