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...
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Compass Rose for the New Millennium

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders are introduced to the concepts of a compass rose and how it used in relationship to reading maps in geography. The instructional activity is meant to build upon prior knowledge and skills.
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How to Teach Geography with KidPix 1

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Students create a compass rose. In this geography instructional activity, students create a compass rose using the computer program KidPix 1.
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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...
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Mapping the News

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students explore cartography.  In this map skills and map making lesson plan, Students work in groups to create wall size world maps including legends, compass roses, latitude and longitude, and physical features.  Students...
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Mapping My World

For Teachers 1st
First graders make two maps. In this developing and reading maps activity, 1st graders read Mapping Penny's World, discuss the parts of a map, create a map of their classroom, and create a list of directions of how to get to various...
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In Mr. Lincoln's Shoes

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Students demonstrate basic map skills. In this US history lesson plan, students review cardinal directions and use a compass rose while at the same time discuss what life was like for Abraham Lincoln.
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Compass Rose: Dance and Quilt

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders identify the cardinal directions by listening to a song entitled, "Stand," and by reviewing the lyrics to that song. They notice the cardinal directions that are posted around the classroom. They perform the motions as...
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Create a Compass Instructions for Teachers

For Teachers Higher Ed
Students, who are teachers, discover how to make box and water compass in their classrooms. They describe the scientific principles that are involved in making and using a compass.
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...
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Map It Out

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders create obstacle course maps. They lay out their course on the playground, using symbols for trees, fences, etc, Students, in groups, exchange maps and then follow the courses.
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As the Kids Come and Go: Mapping a Classroom

For Teachers K - 2nd Standards
Map the classroom with your kids to help them understand how maps work and how to read them. The lesson plan starts off with a story about animals living and moving around the globe, and then kids create maps of their classroom to show...
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Second Graders on the Map

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders explore the various types of maps. They examine the differences between street maps and aerial photographs. Students identify various features on each map. They use cardinal directions and the compass rose. They write...
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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.
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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...
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U.S. Geography- The Northeast

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Young scholars 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. Young scholars construct individual maps of the...
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A Class Census

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students recognize that data represents specific pieces of information about real-world activities, such as the census. In this census instructional activity, students take a class and school-wide census and construct tally charts and...
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Compass Rose Directions

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders use cardinal and intermediate directions to locate places on maps and places in the classroom, school, and community. They draw a setting map of "Little Red Riding Hood." Students give five steps of cardinal or...
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Cartography Project

For Teachers 1st - 8th
A lesson involving mapping, the use of a compass, writing and following directions, and exploring the first two themes of geography is here for you. Learners create original maps that show the routes they take through their own...
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Map Skills

For Teachers 3rd
Thirds graders reinforce that a map is a drawing that shows what a place looks like from above. They use a map key and symbols to create a map of the school and its neighborhood.
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Following Plans

For Teachers K
Students learn to follow a specific plan in order to do something or get somewhere. In this following directions activity, students explore key vocabulary related to following plans, complete fun activities that require attention to...
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Sam Houston for President...Again

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders discover the political career of Sam Houston. In this Texas history lesson, 4th graders research primary resources and create a modern-day version of Sam Houston's political campaign of the 1840s.
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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.
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Geography: Japan Project Online Lesson, Part 2

For Teachers 3rd - 12th
Students, in small groups, create and exchange map questions and share them with students in Japan. After examining the maps, they compare and contrast the two maps on the county Web Board. Students use a rubric to evaluate their answers.