Pupils study the four main directions on a map. In this map lesson, students locate the North and South pole, and learn the four cardinal directions. They use the compass rose on a map to help with the directions. (Map is not included...

Students locate objects using a Global Positioning System. In this global geography lesson plan, students explore latitude and longitude using a GPS in order to locate objects.

While canals are not the way to travel today, in the first half of the nineteenth century, they were sometimes the best way to move goods and people. Scholars examine primary sources, including maps and pictures, to investigate the role...

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...

Students create an edible map. In this civics and geography lesson plan, students research their town's features and local government. Students work in groups to design and create a physical map of their town based on research.

Young scholars compare and contrast world maps and globes. They convert a 3-dimensional globe to a 2-dimensional map. They are introduced to the Mercator map projection. They observe map distortions of shape, area, distance, directions...

Students look at maps. In this map lesson, students listen to the book My Map Book by Sara Fanelli and they see the difference between human characteristics (buildings, etc.) and natural characteristics (rivers, etc.).  They...

Students view examples of various map projections using a website. Students record differences between the map projections. Students discuss uses for the various map projections and the differences between the maps they viewed. ...

Learners explore world mapping skills. In this world geography lesson, students identify and label the continents and oceans on a world map using the Visual Thesaurus. Learners generate mnemonic devices to help memorize these terms.

Third graders demonstrate an understanding of geography and its effects on lifestyles and culture. Then they apply basic economic terms and principles and identify the United States government and history. Students also identify and...

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.

Learners examine how to use a globe. In this globe and map comparison lesson plan, students discuss how the globe and map are alike when looking at Africa and Antarctica. Learners investigate shapes and sizes of globes versus maps.

In this rivers and streams worksheet, students explore how rivers and streams react with the environment. Students also study where the major rivers flow in their local areas. Activities are provided that help students visualize the...

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...

Elementary ecologists pretend to be migratory hummingbirds. They fly between wintering and nesting grounds, trying to reach a habitat haven. In a musical-chair fashion, some birds will miss out, and are removed from the game. To further...

Students interact with MapPoint tools to view maps of the past and the present in multiple ways. They participate in mini-lessons aimed at locating certain points of interest or famous routes taken in history.

Pupils plan a family vacation to states that were among the original 13 colonies. The groups determine which state they visit, map their route, calculate the mileage, and determine how much money they spend on gasoline.

Students explore the country of Japan. In this international studies activity, students utilize their geography skills to locate Japan on a map. Students explore some Japanese customs and communities. Students use descriptive...

Third graders study maps. In this U.S. geography lesson, 3rd graders explore directions on a compass rose and use a map scale to determine distances between two points on a map. They listen to a lecture and use their own maps to practice...

Learners explore geographical elements. In this geographical elements lesson, students create a map showing the geographical elements in their area. Learners take pictures of these elements to glue to their map and present it to the class.

Students explore geography by participating in a treasure hunt activity. In this Global Positioning System lesson, students define the terms latitude and longitude while utilizing an electronic GPS device. Students view a PowerPoint...

Third graders review cardinal directions, moving around the room so that they are standing in the part of the room that is nearest the north, south, east and west. They are asked what would you do if they are lost? Pupils work as a...

Young scholars are introduced to the various types of maps and their functions. As a class, they play a game similar to twister to review map concepts. They answer questions about the map and use the internet to view larger maps of the...

Third graders research ghost towns. In this geography activity, 3rd graders locate ghost towns on a map and choose one location to research. Students construct a research paper and present it to the class.