Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Social Studies: Great Circle Route

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students compare routes between Minnesota and China using a map and globe. Using the "great circle route" method, students find the shortest route between two points.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Idaho State Map

For Students 4th - 5th
In this Idaho state map worksheet, students color and label important physical features and cities. Students also study the background map to learn the location of Idaho as related to the rest of the U.S.
Activity
Curated OER

3D Textured Globe

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
The earth, our home planet, and the star of Earth Day celebrations everywhere! Celebrate Earth Day or examine Earth's place in the solar system, with a fun and easy craft, perfect for children nine and up. Paper mache ornaments, paint,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

THE GULF STREAM

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students explore how to describe the Gulf Stream, how Benjamin Franklin charted it, and correctly plot it on a map.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Postmark U.S.A.

For Teachers K - 8th
Young scholars identify and collect postmarks from across the United States. They develop a list of ways to collect postmarks, display the postmarks on a large U.S. map, and find the exact location using MapQuest.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Traveling Cat Flown Home to Family

For Teachers 2nd - 6th
Students locate Wisconsin and Belgium on a world map, then read a news article about a cat that stowed away on ship from the U.S. to Europe. In this current events lesson, the teacher introduces the article with map and vocabulary...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Bank Loans Money to Start Businesses

For Teachers 4th - 6th
After locating Latin American countries on a world map, children read about how microbanks are loaning money to help start small businesses. Involving both current events and economics, the teacher introduces the article with a map...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Map Keys

For Students 5th - 8th
In this geography learning exercise, students identify who a cartographer is and what they do specifically. They study an outline map of a fictitious island and then, respond to the three questions that follow. Finally, students add...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Waldseemuller's Map: World 1507

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students investigate the 1507 word map. In this world geography lesson, students examine the details of each section of the map and then draw conclusions about how the people of 1507 understood the world. Students are evalated on...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploring the World's Geography

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students discuss the seven continents of Earth and the diverse geography. After discussion, they create their own paper-mache globes which properly display all seven continents, the equator, and the prime meridian. They conduct research...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Assessing and Making Maps

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Students evaluate maps using the TODALSIGs basic map analysis system, explained on the worksheet. They create a map of Alaska using TODALSIGs. Students brainstorm the elements of maps.
Graphic
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Washington, D.C. Map

For Students 5th - 12th
Here is an outline map of Washington, DC. Some of the points of interest in the city are labeled, as are Maryland, Virginia and Arlington. There are plenty of important monuments and locations not identified, making for a good...
Lesson Planet Article
Curated OER

My Top Interdisciplinary Social Studies Lesson Plans

For Teachers 2nd - 6th
Here are some top social studies lesson plans and activities which present concepts in a memorable fashion.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rivers Run Through It

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
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...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Name the States Worksheet 2

For Students 5th - 8th
In this name the states worksheet, students examine 6 state map outlines and identify each of them by writing the state names and postal abbreviations.
Worksheet
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Name the States Worksheet 1

For Students 5th - 8th
In this name the states learning exercise, students examine 6 state map outlines and identify each of them by writing the state names and postal abbreviations.
Worksheet
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Name the States Worksheet 5

For Students 4th - 8th
In this name the states worksheet, students examine 6 state map outlines and identify each of them by writing the state names and postal abbreviations.
Worksheet
Geography 360°

Introducing Europe

For Students 5th - 10th Standards
Provide your learners with a comprehensive introduction to Europe with this great set of worksheets. Map activities include matching European countries to their capitals and places on a political map, as well as...
Lesson Plan
US Mint

Symbols in My Eyes

For Teachers K - 6th Standards
Explore the hidden meanings behind the images on US currency with this elementary school lesson on symbolism. Starting with a class discussion about symbols, children go on to brainstorm different objects that represent the Unites...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mapping Community Values

For Teachers 1st - 6th
Students discuss the origin of various maps focusing on the values behind them. Students also explore how human needs and geography influence community settlement patterns. Students extend learning by creating and mapping their own ideal...
Worksheet
Curated OER

The Roman Empire-Map Activity

For Students 5th - 7th
In this Roman Empire worksheet, students complete a map activity in which they label and color civilizations, countries and physical features as instructed. There are no maps included.
Lesson Plan
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Play Doh Map of Your State

For Teachers 2nd - 6th
Learners create a state map using Playdoh. In this hands-on state geography lesson, students work in groups to form a three-dimensional  map of their state using Playdoh made at home following a (given) recipe. Learners use four...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Me on the Map Lesson 2

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students analyze and interpret maps, globes and geographic information systems to define and identify cities, counties, states, countries and continents to create a booklet called me on the map. They also determine and calculate the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mapping India

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students participate in an activity in which they place placards listing geographic features, landmarks, etc. in the correct place on a large fabric map of a given country. They also examine artifacts, photos, sounds/music, etc. from...