Lesson Plan
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Scaling it Down: Caves Have Maps, Too

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Measurement and map skills are the focus of this lesson, where learners crawl through a "cave" made out of boxes, desks and chairs, observing the dimensions.  Your young geographers measure various aspects of the cave and practice...
Lesson Plan
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Playground Mapping

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students convert their physical models of a playground from a previous lesson into a map of the playground that includes a scale and key. They examine and discuss examples of maps, view an image to map photo essay, and create a map using...
Lesson Plan
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Basic Mapping Skills

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Establish and study the parts of a map with your class and, then they will work in small groups to create their own detailed map, including a legend.  There are specific instructions to follow on what needs to be included.
Lesson Plan
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Map Your House

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Learners are introduced to the concepts of maps as scale models of the whole. After a brief lecture on creating and using an accurate scale when drawing and reading a map. They create a scale drawing of the floorplan of their homes.
Lesson Plan
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The Crash Scene

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders explore geography by participating in a mapping activity. In this engineering lesson plan, 5th graders identify the differences between latitude and longitude and practice locating precise points on a globe or map. Students...
Lesson Plan
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Geo-Trip

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders explore geographic locations by creating a travel brochure.
Lesson Plan
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Draw an Inch, Walk a Mile

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Young scholars work in small groups to solve the problems presented. The main project, mapping the classroom, use these discussions to collaborate in creating a tangible demonstration of their understanding.
Lesson Plan
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Colonial Vacation Planner

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Looking for a good lesson on the Colonial Period for your upper-elementary class? Then, this lesson is for you! They use website designs, U.S. travel publications, and maps to plan a family vacation to states which were part of the...
Lesson Plan
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Essential Elements of Habitat

For Teachers 1st
First graders compare their local area with the Belize landscape. They construct maps of the school area, adding descriptive information. They write haiku poems about their favorite outside places.
Lesson Plan
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The Pilgrims

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students use distance measuring tools to follow directions and chart the path the pilgrims made from Plymouth, England to Boston, Massachusetts. For this Pilgrim voyage lesson, students use a map to chart the distance traveled by the...
Lesson Plan
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Inches Away

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Students are introduced to maps, scale representations, ratios and cartography. They plot the itinerary for their family's dream vacation or a trip across the United States. Using maps, they determine the short route and second longer...
Lesson Plan
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Playground Mapping

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students review their physical models of the objects on their playground at school. Using the model, they convert it into a map with a scale and key. To end the lesson plan, they use the map to locate different objects and measure the...
Unit Plan
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It's Greek to Me!

For Teachers 6th
Students explore Greek Mythology. In this Greek Mythology unit, students read myths, pantomime vocabulary words, practice research skills, create city-states, and demonstrate knowledge of ratios and proportions. This unit includes many...
Unit Plan
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Poetic Justice: A Study of Poe's Famous Works

For Teachers 8th
Students explore Edgar Allan Poe's most famous short stories. In this Edgar Allan Poe lesson, students complete a 25 page packet of activities where they recognize the features of genres and literary devices Poe uses. Students read "The...
Lesson Plan
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Create a Full-Scale Layout of the International Space Station

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students work together to convert scale dimensions to determine the true size of the International Space Station. They create a full-scale outline of the station. They share their layout with the class.
Lesson Plan
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Mapping A Stream

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students participate in mapping an actual waterway. They include reach lengths, transects, compass reading, and scale determinations. They include windfalls, plant cover, types of streambed composition, and landmarks such as trees and...
Lesson Plan
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Making a Map of the Classroom

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students create a map of the classroom using the computer programs AppleWorks and iChat in this math-based technology lesson. Lesson extension ideas include a scavenger hunt and maps of other school buildings.
Lesson Plan
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Touring Delmarva

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students plan a trip.  In this trip planning instructional activity, students use a map to find where they would like to visit with a pretend family of 4. They get a specific amount of money and time and need to decide where they...
Lesson Plan
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The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders examine the causes of the stock market crash of 1929.  In this integrated math/history unit on the stock market, 6th graders study, research, and read stocks, visit a local bank, and create a PowerPoint to show the...
Lesson Plan
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Hurricane Frequency and Intensity

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine hurricanes. In this web-based meteorology lesson, students study the relationship between ocean temperature and hurricane intensity. They differentiate between intensity and frequency of hurricanes.
Lesson Plan
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See the State

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders are given a map of Indiana and have to plan a road trip including at least two major points of interest with 100% accuracy. The students estimate the distance between their two chosen locations with 100% accuracy.
Lesson Plan
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Math: A Geometric Neighborhood

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students, as a final project, draw a picture of their ideal neighborhood on a sunny day. In addition to the sun, their drawings include homes, trees, streets, and selected objects. Each object in their drawing has a written description...
Lesson Plan
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Size Small School

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore the concept of scale and ratio.  In this scale and ratio lesson plan, students work in groups to measure a given space such as a hallway, office, or gym.  Students measure their area using a meter stick. ...
Lesson Plan
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Cartography

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students follow directions to draw a map of an island. They complete the island map adding their own details using symbols and a legend.