Lesson Plan
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Mapmaker, Mapmaker, Make Me a Map

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Second and third graders practice with basic map skills. They create their own map including a legend and a compass rose. This fabulous plan has many excellent websites linked which allow learners to explore maps of all kinds; including...
Lesson Plan
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Mapping the News

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students explore cartography.  In this map skills and map making lesson, Students work in groups to create wall size world maps including legends, compass roses, latitude and longitude, and physical features.  Students collect...
Lesson Plan
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U.S. Geography- The Northeast

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students investigate the geography of the Northeast states. In this map skills lesson, students are shown a map of the Northeast states and identify the state names and borders. Students construct individual maps of the Northeast using...
Lesson Plan
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Treasure Hunt!

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Students follow directions on a worksheet to follow directions on a map of the United States and Territories of the United States. In this directions worksheet, students use a compass rose and learn the directions.
Lesson Plan
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Where Am I: How to Read a Map

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders develop an understanding of maps. They explore what a map is, who uses maps, and how to use maps. Students investigate the compas rose. They create a compose rose which illustrates the cardinal directions. Students practice...
Lesson Plan
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We Found It!

For Teachers 1st
First graders identify and describe landforms. They demonstrate an understanding of the compass rose and a map key using the trail of Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery. They generate a map key.
Lesson Plan
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Making a Region Map of a State

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders create salt maps of a state and indicate its regions. They include topographical elements including mountains, valleys, lowlands and major water bodies and a compass rose.
Lesson Plan
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Map Directions and the United States

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders search TDC database for images of a compass rose, a miles marker, and a US map. They identify cardinal and intermediate directions to help identify their state and other states on a US map.
Lesson Plan
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Labeling a Map of Australia

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders label a map of Australia. Using the internet, they research the history and maps of the continent and print a blank map. They review on how to use a compass rose and legend. In groups, they create a brochure to share...
Lesson Plan
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Making Maps

For Teachers 1st
First graders create a map of their classroom that can be used to find a hidden treasure. They examine two- and three-dimensional objects and discover characteristics.
Lesson Plan
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A Walk Around the School: Mapping Places Near and Far

For Teachers K - 1st
After reading Pat Hutchins’ Rosie’s Walk, have your young cartographers create a map of Rosie’s walk. Then lead them on a walk around the school. When you return class members sequence the walk by making a list of how the class got from...
Lesson Plan
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Geo-Town

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders use a checklist to construct a Geo-Town map including a compass rose, a map key, and a paragraph about a walk around Geo-Town, using appropriate geometric and directional vocabulary to identify the two-dimensional figures...
Lesson Plan
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Deserts

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students do various activities to explain where the United States' desert region lies in relationship to the state in which they live, become familiar with plants and animals in the Sonoran desert, and make a story map of Roadrunner...
Lesson Plan
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Blowing in the Wind

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students identify and interpret maps, graphs, charts, tables and political cartoons. Students identify what a compass rose is and review its meaning in relation to standard directions. Students design their own weathervanes. Students...
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Geography: Map Making

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners, working in groups, share notes and maps collected during a study of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. They draw large composite maps of the western United States on butcher paper including land formations, bodies of water, and...
Lesson Plan
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Roll With The Punches: Crossroads to Where?

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders visualize and create a map to outline scenes from the novel Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. They understands the importance of organizing information when making maps and giving directions.
Lesson Plan
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Map It With Pixie

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders use the computer program 'Pixie' to create a topographic, detailed map for the state they live in. In this mapping skills lesson, 4th graders use Pixie to make a map of their state that includes topographic features, state...
Lesson Plan
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Radial Design Mandala

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students design original radial art designs.In this radial design lesson, students use compasses and a nature inspired idea to create radial art. Students understand the use of symmetry, balance and design shapes in continual patterns....
Lesson Plan
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Route To School Mapping Assignment

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students create a map showing the route from home to school. Students include a legend, compass, label buildings, and color the map route on the map. They write out specific directions.
Lesson Plan
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Exploring the Various Regions of Boyle Heights: Continuity and Change

For Teachers 3rd
Student study the local landscape of Boyle Heights, California and draw a sketch of the area. Students use map making skills in this activity. Studient make a portfolio of information and photographs they accumulate over time on the area.
Activity
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European Explorers: Research Project

For Students 5th - 7th Standards
What will your students choose to include in their explorer's treasure chest? Youngsters research an early European explorer and gather items to reflect their research, such as a detailed map of the explorer's voyages, portrait,...
Lesson Plan
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Introducing Maps Through Dance

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
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.
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El Nino Lesson

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students compare graphs of weather occurrences. In this environmental lesson plan, students will being using the website to gather weather related information for a certain time period. The students will then graph the data that will be...
Lesson Plan
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Gingerbread Map

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders read the book Gingerbread Baby, identify local features and cardinal directions on a map, and then construct their own map. In this mapping lesson plan, 2nd graders construct their own map in groups based on where the baby...