Curated OER
The Land and People Before Columbus
The major pre-Columbian settlements are studied in this excellente social studies lesson. Fifth graders explain how geography and climate influenced the way various nations lived and adjusted to the environment, and focus on eight...
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Mystery State #32
There is no better way to start a lesson, than with a good problem-solving activity. Give your class the chance to see if they can use each of the five clues to determine the name of mystery state number 32. Hint: It's the eastern most...
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Geography of the Study of the Spanish-speaking People of Texas
Young scholars identify the physical features, demographic characteristics, and history of the four Texas towns featured in Russell Lee's photo essay, "The Spanish-Speaking People of Texas." They conduct Internet research, and create a...
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Child Labor during the Industrial Revolution and Now
Fifth graders research topic of child labor by studying Industrial Revolution, read about child labor laws, and examine countries where child labor still exists today. They then choose single question to research from list, and create...
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Physical Features
Students draw physical land features using ClarisWorks or Kid Pix, write their definitions, create slideshow, and create class geography book.
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Social Sstudies: Change in Space and Time
Students examine the dynamics of change and compare and contrast it with other cultures. They cite examples of how people change over time and explain why it is necessary. Students organize a skit, Webpage, or Powerpoint presentation...
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Lake Tahoe Then and Now
Students investigate the differences in Lake Tahoe from the past to the present. In this geography lesson, students read the book Washoe Seasons of Life and identify the descriptions of the land and lake. Students create a Venn diagram...
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Chinese Lion Dance
Students celebrate the Chinese New Year and listen to the story behind the Chinese Lion Dance. In this Chinese New Year lesson, students research the geography and culture of China. Students create puppets, dance the Lion...
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Early Explorers
Fifth graders study early explorers. In this World history lesson plan, 5th graders draw an outline of a map labeling each part, build geographical features out of dough, and paint each of the land and water features.
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The 50 States
Fifth graders use maps and music to learn the 50 states. In this US Geography lesson plan, 5th graders map out a region of the United States and practice singing the song, The 50 States that Rhyme.
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The Geography of Maine Tourism
Students study topographical maps of Maine to identify the important physical features. They work in groups to create tourism pamphlet highlighting a region of the state.
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Bears and Panthers Aplenty: Early Settlers Make a Home in Arkansas
Young historians research the Southwest Trail, which ran through Arkansas back in the 19th century. Pupils are divided into four groups. Each group researches a pioneer who blazed the Southwest Trail. Then, the group presents an oral or...
US Mint
Absolutely and Relatively: The Puerto Rico Quarter Reverse
How much does your class know about Puerto RIco? How much can they learn from the back of a 2009 quarter? Use the coin, part of a series of quarters that depict US territories, to teach learners about the geography, culture, and history...
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The City of New Haven
Young scholars examine the geography, politics and history of their local town of New Haven, Connecticut. Using the internet, they explore the neighbors of New Haven and write directions from their house to school. In groups, they...
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Our 50 States
Students identify the location of the 50 states using an interactive map. They practice geography skills by playing a fun game. Pupils become familiar with the state abbreviations for the US states. Students become familiar with the...
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States and Capitals, Mountains and Rivers
Students identify geographical locations in the midwestern United States. In this geography lesson plan, students identify 12 states and capitals and geographical features in the region by using U.S. maps. Students use blank maps to fill...
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Integrated Lesson Plan
An ambitious and engaging lesson on the Westward Movement for your students to enjoy! Groups of learners rotate between learning tasks such as learning about the Chislom Trail, Lewis and Clark, and the Gold Rush. A WebQuest is also...
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Mystery State #15
Do you know the name of the Badger State? Using five fantastic clues, your super sleuths will determine the name of mystery state number 15. A wonderful way to warm up the class!
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Mystery State # 44
Problem solving comes in all shapes and sizes. Here is a short problem-solving activity that requires learners to use five clues to determine the name of mystery state number 44. Do you know from which state Elvis hails?
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Mystery State #2
Which is the mystery state for today? Using five super clues, your class will work to uncover which state is being described. They'll have no problem remembering facts about Nevada after this fun warm-up activity.
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Where We Live
Students forecast future population growth of the U.S. Virgin Islands. In this U.S. Census lesson plan, students explain the factors that influence population density on the U.S. Virgin Islands, including geography and economic activity.
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What in the World Is a Watershed?
Young scholars discover the role of a watershed. For this geography lesson, students are shown a diagram of a watershed and discuss the definition of a watershed. Young scholars demonstrate the role of a watershed by using an umbrella...
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Establishing Borders: The Expansion of the United States 1846-48
Students investigate how the United States acquired land after the Revolutionary War ended. In this establishing borders lesson, students use maps to identify territories acquired by the US and the states that later developed. Students...
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United States Map- Map Legend/City Symbols
Students investigate the United States map. In this map skills geography lesson, students explore city symbols on the map legend and identify them. Students use post-it notes to mark various symbols.