Space Awareness
Let's Map the Earth
Before maps went mobile, people actually had to learn how to read maps. Pupils look at map elements in order to understand how to read them and locate specific locations. Finally, young cartographers discover how to make aerial maps.
Newspaper Association of America
Community Connections with Geography and the Newspaper
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...
Curated OER
Introducing Maps Through Dance
Students are introduced to the key concepts of maps; direction, pathway/line, shape and symbol. They create the pathways and shapes they have "mapped" out on paper on the floor. They dance along the paths.
Curated OER
Introduction to Maps
Students develop their map skills. In this geography lesson, students participate in an activity that requires them to survey their social studies book in order to find different types of maps and purposes for their uses.
Curated OER
Geo-Class Mapping My Neighborhood
Students create a map of the school and surrounding neighborhood. In this mapping lesson, students discover their school's location and learn about its past. Students use math skills and the steps in the design process to...
Curated OER
Finding Captain Hook's Treasure
Students use their map-reading skills to find Captain Hook's treasure. They see how the directions on a map correspond with "real-life" directions, and that symbols on a map represent real things.
Curated OER
Mapping Perceptions of China
Students discuss what types of things are included on a map. They compare and contrast maps of China with a map they create and practice using different types of maps. They write analysis of their classmates maps.
Curated OER
Rivers Run Through It
Using a relief map of New York State, learners answer questions about the distance between different cities, identify bodies of water, and more. First, they discuss vocabulary related to the Hudson River area. Then, they complete a...
Curated OER
U.S. Geography: The South
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...
Curated OER
Math with Maps and Globes
Students round out their math skills with these ‘round the world' ideas. In this math and geography lesson, students try out time zone sticks, a polar race, and tic-tac-globe to engage them in learning more about globes and the...
Curated OER
Lesson Design Archaeology- World Map
Students practice locating positions on the world map. In this map skills lesson plan, students explore the world map and items such as the compass rose, Equator, mountains, cities, etc. The students practice locating positions on the...
Curated OER
Ancient Egypt: Connecting Literature and Geography
Students 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 Ancient Egypt.
Curated OER
Countries of the World
Students identify countries on a world map. In this map skills lesson, students define the word "country" and use post-it notes to locate several countries on a world map.
Curated OER
Countries of the World
Learners define the meaning of the word country. In this countries of the world map lesson, students identify boundaries, countries, and symbols within countries on the map. Learners distinguish the words country and continent.
Curated OER
Map of Town
Third graders draw a map of the town given different sites to locate on the map by the teacher. They explain that latitude and longitude are used to locate places on maps and globes, identify the distinctive physical and cultural...
Curated OER
The Water Nearby
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.
Curated OER
Using Map Skills
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...
Curated OER
Where Is Rome?
Third graders discover Ancient Rome through maps and worksheets. In this world history lesson plan, 3rd graders locate Rome on a world map and identify the scope of the Roman Empire. Students label an entire map of Italy...
Curated OER
Valentine City
Students construct a small city on a table in the classroom. Each student is given a lot to develop. They give directions from one location to another, and write letters with correct addresses to their classmates.
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Continents and Oceans
Students identify oceans and continents and their locations on a map. They color-code and label their own map of the world's continents and oceans. They play the game Continents and Oceans to identify specific areas.
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Memorable Maps
Students draw an assigned map from memory about the United States or any other region they are studying. In this maps lesson plan, students draw a map from their memory at the beginning of the year, and do the same assignment at the end...
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Simulated Air Trip to Seoul, Korea
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...
Curated OER
Our Country's Geography
Third graders study geography. In this United States landforms activity, 3rd graders create a map of the U.S. made out of dough. They use various edible treats to mark the country's capital, the plains, the mountains and the rivers &...
Curated OER
Follow the Yellow Brick Road
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.