Curated OER
Where's Up?
Fifth graders brainstorm answers to the question why compasses point north. In groups, they use introduce the needle to the different ends of the magnet. They place the needles in a styroform disk and record their results in their...
Curated OER
Environment: Going Places
First graders learn directional words and apply this skill to map making. They record their steps on paper.
Curated OER
Angle Benchmarks
Sixth graders discuss the characteristics of specific angles and then use the information to to identify and estimate given angles. The class goes outside, identifies north, and turns a specified amount of degrees. Using a given compass,...
Curated OER
Treasure Hunt!
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.
Curated OER
Magnets
Students explore the concept of magnetism. In this magnetism lesson, students use bar magnets to conduct experiments regarding magnetism. Students also use a magnetic compasses to examine magnetic poles.
Curated OER
Finding Captain Hook's Treasure
Students use their map-reading skills to find Captain Hook's treasure. They see how the directions on a map correspond with "real-life" directions, and that symbols on a map represent real things.
Curated OER
Mariner's Compass Quilts: New Directions
Students follow the steps of creating Mariner's Compass blocks using two different methods, freezer paper templates and paper foundations. Then they draft their own original full size block on freezer paper.
abcteach
Street Mapping
What's around the block? Or down the street? Ask your pupils to tap into their map skills by drafting the area around their home and school.
PBS
Arthur's World Neighborhood: Building Global and Cultural Awareness
Kids become global anthropologists as they explore commonalities and differences both in their classroom and expanding across the globe. Throughout several activities, learners conduct partner interviews that culminate in Venn diagrams,...
PHET
Measuring the Interplanetary Magnetic Field
Scientists need to figure out how to measure interplanetary magnetic fields, but the magnetic field of the spacecraft is interfering with their readings. Scholars attempt to solve the problem that has perplexed NASA scientists for years.
Curated OER
So Many Inventions!
Students read two books about Chinese inventions such as the compass, kite or dominoes. They bring in examples of Chinese inventions from home and create a class gallery. They make a compass in class.
Curated OER
Spring Doesn't Bug Me
Pupils make a ladybug art item using math vocabulary and measurements of circles. Ladybugs are made using a compass. Once the bug is complete, attach a previously-written Haiku to it.
Curated OER
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...
Curated OER
Pirate Map
Students write directions explaining how to get from one location to another by using a map of their town and use simple maps to identify and locate places.
Curated OER
Forecasting Weather
In this weather instructional activity, students conduct an experiment where they record the weather observations for a week. Then they determine the air pressure using an aneroid barometer and estimate the amount of sky covered by...
Curated OER
U.S. Geography- The Northeast
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...
Curated OER
Magnets
In this magnets activity, students review magnetic properties and define an electromagnet. This activity has 10 fill in the blank, 1 drawing, and 3 short answer questions.
Curated OER
Measuring Elevation
Learners practice measuring elevation, one of the key coordinates used by astronomers. They describe how the elevation of an object is measured.
and combine compass directions and elevation to find celestial objects.
Curated OER
Stranded along the Coast
Students plot stranding sites onto a map using latitude and longitude as well as compass directions with respect to coastal features. They identify several species of marine animals that might become stranded; distinguish their...
Curated OER
Coastal Surveys
Students investigate the human impact on coastal land. In this coastal surveys lesson plan, students choose a coastal area and complete a survey sheet about the area. They choose a topic about a sea side village called Dunwich to prepare...
Curated OER
Robots
Second graders examine the concepts of direction and movement as they attempt to program a robot to move. They design a set of instructions using right, left, forward, backwards, and quarter turn so that the robot can accomplish tasks.
Curated OER
Native American Homelands
Pupils discuss the Navajo, Sioux, and Iroquois tribes, noting their distinctive characteristics. They trace the homeland of each of the tribes on maps and create map keys. Students explain how they developed their map keys.
Curated OER
The Sexton and the Compass
Students evaluate how movement patterns create and affect interdependence. They analyze the interactions within and between regions and engage in artistic inquiry, exploration, and discovery in collaboration with others. They design...