Institute for Geophysics
Understanding Maps of Earth
Here is your go-to student resource on primary geography concepts, including facts about the surface of the earth and its hemispheres, latitude and longitude, globes, types of maps, and identifying continents and oceans.
World Maps Online
Introduction to the World Map
Students identify the differences between maps and globes. In this map skills instructional activity, students are shown a globe and a map and recognize the differences. Students use post-it notes to locate several locations on the world...
Curated OER
Australia
Students discover information about the Aboriginal people of Australia. In this global studies lesson, students listen to mini-lectures regarding the history of Australia and the Aboriginal people. Students compare American Indians to...
Curated OER
World Map and Globe - Lesson 15 (K-3)
Students discover mountain ranges and their locations in the world. In this physical map lesson, students locate and identify major mountain ranges of the world on a large physical map.
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History/Geography
Students review North America, Africa, Europe and Asia. They identify Australia as the smallest continent. They identify Australia as an island continent nicknamed "the land down under." They color a map of Australia.
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Australia: the Land Down Under
Students give a solid history and geographic explanation of the country of Australia and explain why it is important. They use some creativity in designing their own island, by using the physical features of this particular country.
Curated OER
World Map and Globe - Lesson 15 Mountains of the World
Pupils locate major world mountain ranges. In this geography lesson, students identify major mountain ranges on 6 on of the 7 continents on a large world physical map.
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Math with Maps and Globes
Young scholars round out their math skills with these ‘round the world' ideas. In this math and geography lesson, students try out time zone sticks, a polar race, and tic-tac-globe to engage them in learning more about globes and the...
Science 4 Inquiry
Edible Plate Tectonics
Many people think they can't observe plate tectonics, but thanks to GPS, we know that Australia moves at a rate of 2.7 inches per year, North America at 1 inches per year, and the Pacific plate at more than 3 inches per year! Scholars...
Curated OER
Australia
Sixth graders study the continent of Australia. For this Geography lesson, 6th graders create an Australian city using their knowledge of Australian cities. Students participate in a game about the continent.
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Australian Aboriginal Art and Storytelling
Young explorers investigate Australian Aboriginal culture by listening to traditional Dreamtime stories and examining dot paintings created by Aboriginal artists. In addition, they locate the country on maps, discuss the geography of...
Cornell University
Too Much of a Good Thing?
Continuing their study of beneficial insects, young entomologists discover where in the world some of these bugs are. By labeling, coloring, and using the scale on a map, pupils explore the territories and arrival of the Asian lady...
Curated OER
Land Use in Australian Agriculture
Seventh graders research and map agricultural practices of Australia. They complete a worksheet about their research.
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Introduction to the World Globe
Students examine a globe and the world map to see what constitutes the differences. In this world map introductory instructional activity, students discuss what they see when they view the globe. Students then, look at a world map and...
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Continents
Young scholars investigate World Geography by researching the different continents. In this Asian Geography lesson, students discuss the continent of Pangaea and color a worksheet of the continents. Young scholars locate China on the map...
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Diversity Geography
Ninth graders explore the diversity of people found throughout the world. In this Geography activity, 9th graders create a short oral report describing that area.
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African Safari
Seventh graders examine different countries in Africa to research. They choose one to concentrate their research on using the five themes of geography. They design a multimedia presentation that will make up the African safari.
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A Month of Mapping Literature
Explore the world through literature! With push pins to mark where each story came from, learners examine cultural differences, geographical location, and how those elements affect story content. This lesson could use deeper development,...
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Australian Travel Adventure
Seventh graders are introduced to the states and territories within Australia. Using the internet, they bookmark sites and take notes on what they want to share with their classmates. They also complete a map study on the country to...
Curated OER
Old World and New World - Why Contact Took So Long
Students use a globe to determine why contact between the old world and the new world took a long time. In this map skills lesson, students analyze routes between regions to determine why it took so long for the old world and the new...
Curated OER
Diversity Geography
Students research another country and its people. In this diversity lesson, students work in groups to research an assigned country and develop a short oral report. Students use diversity beans to represent the people of their country...
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The Physical Geography of Australia, Oceania, and Antarctica
Pupils access information from the United States Geological Survey's Web site This Dynamic Earth to research the Ring of Fire. They answer four questions and then apply what they have learned to create a bulletin board display.
Curated OER
The Seven Continents Scavenger Hunt
Who doesn't enjoy an engaging scavenger hunt? Here, scholars listen to, and discuss, the informative text, Where is my Continent? by Robin Nelson. They then explore the seven continents and four major oceans using Google Earth.