Learners examine current events every week. Using the internet, they complete searches about specific events. In groups, they gather information to share with the class and discuss any opposing viewpoints.

Eighth graders study the people of their community.  In this Geography lesson, 8th graders research local history using maps and books.  Students create a timeline of tombstones for deceased residents. 

Learners use the online Atlas as a research tool to find information on national parks and world heritage sites.

Young scholars study the uses of topographical maps including the many forms that they take. They discover that the map features show its intended use such as city maps, wilderness maps, and state maps. They complete a worksheet in which...

Students, in groups, research Canada's six natural regions (ecozones). They create a visual representation of each region on a large wall map of Canada and present it to the rest of the class.

Students work together to analyze the six natural regions of Canada. Using this information, they create a visual representation of each region on a large wall map and present it to the class. They must identify five key points of each...

Eighth graders research Puerto Rico's culture, religion, language, government, etc. and identify differences and similarities with the United States. They participate in a debate about whether or not Puerto Rico should become a state.

Young scholars engage in the study of the human impact on environmental systems (specifically rivers). This lesson enhances Students' exploration of a variety of themes or topics.

Students examine the reasons how and why the European Union was formed. They locate Europe on a map and identify the countries in the European Union. They create a tourist brochure for one of the countries.

Students create a map plotting local sites the Environmental Protection Agency has on its EPA Regulated Sites list. They discuss the need for citizens to, at a minimum, be aware of potential pollution hazards in their community.

Students participate in assessments related to the layers of the Earth. They read chapters of text, answer questions, watch videos, and identify and label continents and oceans on a map. They design posters, create vocabulary cards,...

Students investigate the environmental and human implications to local communities of hosting a major exposition or fair in their region. They study current site conditions and develop a comprehensive plan.

Students utilize oral histories to discover, analyze, and interpret immigration and migration in the history of the United States. A goal of the unit is fostering a discussion and encouraging students to make meaning of the bigger...

Students complete vocabulary work related to the Native Americans of the past. In this Native American lesson plan, students read and answer questions about Native Americans and how they created their own resources.

Young scholars identify geographical information about landscapes found in student literature, demonstrate an organizing tool, developed around geographical themes, for the recording of information, and share uses of this approach.

Students research the Great Migration and answer questions to discover where it took place, when it took place, who were migrating, and why in a 2 page paper. They use a map or atlas to plot out the routes and destinations of those...

Young scholars use the Canadian atlas online to research early explorers and settlers in Canada. They also complete a Web Quest to gather information from maps. They make generalizations about the early settlement patterns as well.

Students discuss the difference between major landforms as a class. In groups, they rate the landforms based on the needs of the community that wish to settle there. They also discuss the push and pull factors of the colonists that made...

Students investigate the ways in which people greet each other. They read a book about greetings, participate in a role-playing game about greetings, interview family members about greeting styles and report their observations to the class.

Students examine the consequences of behaviors and what the concept of trade offs are.  In this good decision activity students read an article and answer questions on making good decisions. 

Students use a map to graph and locate major league teams of different sports. In groups, they analyze the population data of the United States and compare it with the amount and location of the major league teams. They share their...

Students discuss the relationship between a habitat and the environment. In groups, they use the internet to research the relationship between the animals and the habitat on their card. They present their information to the class to...

Eighth graders describe the relocation of Native Americans during the 1830's. The teacher pretends he has been told to move out of his room and the students are to help. They take the longest route and end up in the hall without any...

Students study whale migration and their natural history.  In this migration instructional activity students plot whale migration on a map and describe their ecosystems.