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Introduction of the Lunar Relief Map Project
Students investigate the geographic features of the surface of the moon. In this lunar relief map lesson, students watch and discuss the Apollo II Moon landing and make preliminary plans for their lunar maps.
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Ticky Plans His Trip to Antarctica to See Tacky
First graders participate in a creative problem solving activity to help Ticky get to the Atlantic Ocean. They identify Ticky's problem, brainstorm ways to solve the problem, and develop a plan. They write the steps Ticky needs to take...
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Why We Count
Learners visualize census data on a map and use a map key to read a population map. In this census lesson, students use a map of the Virgin Islands and corresponding worksheets to gain an understanding of population density.
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Cacao Tree Geography
Students use a map to learn about where chocolate comes from. In this lesson on the cacao tree, students locate various regions where the cacao tree grows. They will discuss why the cacao tree grows more favorably in particular climates...
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Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A Pirate's Map for Me: An Original Story
Students read Blackbeard and brainstorm their knowledge of maps. In this language arts and geography lesson, students use landmarks on their playground to review north, south, east and west and discuss the compass rose. Students read...
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Lesson 2: Mapping Our Home
Students recognize the importance of community participation in the census. In this U. S. Census lesson plan, students use map-reading skills to find answers and learn the difference between senators and members of Congress.
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Map It!
Fourth graders collect and explore different maps and their uses before using the program Pixie to create maps of geographic features, political features, and economic information for the state in which they live.
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Mapping the "Utah War"
Student-generated maps help students explain geographical and spatial relationships when discussing important events such as the Utah War.
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U.S. and Canada: How are We the Same? How are We Different?
Get high school geographers to compare and contrast Canada and the United States. They begin by drawing a freehand map of North America, then complete readings to gain insight into Canada. The text is not provided; however, another text...
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What Makes a Map?
Students, in groups, brainstorm to find what makes up a map, what kind of information can be "read" from a map, who might use a map, how their world is defined or helped by maps, etc. They make a map of their "world."
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Ancient Egypt: Connecting Literature and Geography
Students brainstorm prior knowledge of Ancient Egypt, locate Egypt on map of Africa and on world map, watch King Tut film, discuss term biography, and map geographical information mentioned in stories and documentaries about Ancient Egypt.
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Where is Flat Stanley?
Students create a story map of the basic elements and significant events of the book Flat Stanley. Students brainstorm places they would like to visit if they had been flattened and then, write about an imagined experience. Students...
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Are We There Yet?
Students discover how to use maps and why they are important when using a map. They calculate distance using a map scale and time using travel speed and a map scale.
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Trailblazers - Now and Then
Learners, working in pairs, use maps to determine the most efficient routes between two cities. They research which route would have been used by early trailblazers. They present a first person account of one of the trailblazers place in...
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Slavery and the Underground Railroad
Fourth graders study slavery escape routes of the Underground Railroad on maps, read an account of an escape and then write narrative essays about a fictional slave's escape.
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Go Bananas! (Lesson One)
Students research the historical and present movements of bananas. Using maps, they locate the countries in which the fruit is grown and identify common characteristics between the banana-growing countries. They also trace the movement...
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How Do I Get There? Planning a Safe Route to School
One much-needed skill for young learners is direction giving. Have your class plan and draw a safe route for them to travel from home to school. They will also draw places and items that are in between home and school in order to build a...
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Social Studies: Public Goods and Services Map
Students discuss physical and human characteristics and list examples. After identifying government goods and services provided to the community, they locate examples of each located near their school. Based on their discoveries,...
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Trailblazers- Now and Then
Young scholars examine and study the routes of trailblazers. In this American history lesson, students find a route on a map and compare that to the route of trailblazers. Young scholars will then compare that map with a topographical...
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European Cities
Students study European cities and label countries on a map, match cities to countries, and answer true and false questions. In this European cities lesson plan, students also guess the names of cities they see pictures of.
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Community Building
Seventh graders discover the similarities and differences between cities, towns, and rural communities. Using a Neighborhood map Machine, they create a Venn diagram and map of their own community. Students build a 3-D representation of...
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Mapping the Lewis and Clark Trail
Young scholars explore how physical and human geography features effected Lewis and Clark's expedition by using the Lewis and Clark Digital Discovery Web site.
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Effects of Urban Growth
Learners explore population growth in the United States and the impact it has had on society. First, they brainstorm the reasons for population growth and the results of these increases. Then, they design surveys, record results, and...
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Postmark U.S.A.
Students identify and collect postmarks from across the United States. They develop a list of ways to collect postmarks, display the postmarks on a large U.S. map, and find the exact location using MapQuest.