Students compare/contrast the grid and latitude/longitude system used on a globe. They describe the areas which are considered to be a tropical, temperate, and polar, based on knowledge of climates.

students investigate readings relating to the voyage of Columbus in 1492 and to make historical connections based on those readings. They form pairs to share insights and answer specific questions, and share information in a final class...

Students take a virtual trip down the Silk Road. Using a map, they trace the location of the trade route and others that were developed later. They use different spices and goods to trace how they came to the Americas. They answer...

Students make a model of the Earth's crust out of foam in order to better explain the make-up of the Earth's layers. They add continents and oceans.

Students examine documents describing the experiences of survivors of the Great Chicago Fire, and write condolence letters.

Fifth graders discuss the process of sedimentation and the continental drift theory. They locate major structures on the ocean floor and they identify life forms at each level of the ocean.

Fifth graders examine the history of the European exploration of the New World. They research and create replicas of many of the tools used by the explorers including a compass, quadrant, hourglass, log and map.

Students map local places and learn to use scale and distance.  In this mapping instructional activity, students map their school and a favorite place.  Students recreate their maps showing distance and scale sizes. Students...

Fifth graders examine threat to all people (particularly the Jews) resulting from the imposition of Nazi authority, and appreciate the courage exhibited by ordinary people acting out of conscience.

Students discuss how slaves fought against their situation and how did they escape. They discover what the Underground Railroad was and how it slaves used it to reach freedom. They then play a game focusing on the Underground Railroad in...

Students locate China on a world map, then read a news article about pollution in Beijing. In this current events lesson, the teacher introduces the article with a discussion about smog and a vocabulary activity, then students read the...

Students comprehend the history of European exploration of North America. They are introduced to basic reasearch techniques. Students focus on four explorers who visited New York State: Verrazano, Cartier, Champlian, and Hudson. They...

Students identify the Equator, North Pole, and South Pole on a map. In this geography lesson, students use a world map and circle the North and South Pole. Students locate the Equator on a globe and use a map marker to highlight it.

Students investigate picture symbols. In this symbols lesson, students define symbols and discuss symbols that they see in everyday life. Students identify symbols on maps by using post-it notes.

Students explore how to use maps for travel. In this map skills lesson, students read the text, With Love from Gran and discuss the places the character traveled. Students list the names of each city and country on chart paper.

Students research Arizona maps. In this map lesson, students discuss map titles, scales, directions, elevation, and symbols. The class will examine topography, landforms, and rivers found on an Arizona map.

In this map activity worksheet, students determine which countries are shown on a set of 16 maps, then read facts about each country designed to help with a report on that country.

Students construct a road map using map pieces precut by the teacher. They apply geometric terms such as rotation and turns. Students apply the use of ordinal directions. They apply a variety of map keys.

Students uses atlases, maps, and Web resources to determine the distance, driving time, and amount of money they need to make the trip (estimates should include hotel/motel stays, meals, and souvenirs).

Pupils are introduced to the online Atlas of Canada and they identify the lakes and major rivers of Alberta.

Students investigate the idea of community by taking a field trip.  In this civics lesson, students participate in a supervised walk around their neighborhood while identifying characteristics and objects that make their home town...

In this music worksheet, students look at a map of the world and find the places where the Santa Fe, New Mexico Desert Chorale has traveled. There is little information about music on this page.

Fifth graders are introduced to the removal of Native Americans along the Trail of Tears. In groups, they examine the political factors that caused this removal and its effect on society. To end the lesson, they discuss various ways to...