Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mapping the Aegean Seafloor

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Earth science learners create a two-dimensional topographic map of the floor of the Aegean Sea. They use it to then create a three-dimensional model of the ocean floor features. This comprehensive resource delivers strong background...
Interactive
CK-12 Foundation

Topographic and Geologic Maps: Topographic Maps

For Students 9th - 12th
Maps are great for helping you get where you're going, but what does that place actually look like? Geology scholars compare and contrast the features of topographical and geologic maps using an interactive lesson. The resource describes...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Lesson 2 Activity 2: Mapping Mount St. Helens

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students use topographic map skills to interpret impact of the May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens on the volcano's topography, and draw profile views of Mount St. Helens before and after the May 18, 1980, eruption.
Activity
It's About Time

Effects of Plate Tectonics

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Explore our world from within as you lead young scientists on a thrilling adventure. Pupils examine the location of plate boundaries to determine earthquake and volcano distribution around the globe and explore the cause of hot spots in...
Lesson Plan
Polar Trec

Create a Topographic Profile of Beacon Valley

For Teachers 6th - 12th Standards
Landforms in Beacon Valley, Antarctica, where there is no snow, bear a striking resemblance to landforms found on Mars. Scholars identify landforms found in Beacon Valley through analysis of topographic maps in the activity. They then...
Lesson Plan
Science Matters

Seismic Activity and California Landforms

For Teachers 6th Standards
By the 19th instructional activity in the 20-part series, scholars realize volcanoes and earthquakes are related to plate boundaries. The instructional activity extends and applies the knowledge by having individuals create a bumper...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Landforms: Geomorphology of Arkansas

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders create large, salt dough maps of Arkansas and the natural regions in the state created by geographical and morphological features.
Unit Plan
Columbus City Schools

Constructive and Destructive Geologic Processes

For Teachers 8th Standards
Show the class the world as they've never seen it before—from way above! Learners try to unravel the mysteries presented by rich satellite imagery, learn to interpret topographic maps, and study erosion by constructing their very...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Natural History of Costa Rica

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students use outline maps to become acquainted with Costa Rica. They see how it was formed and how its origin has created very diverse environments. Students then use atlases and compare their physical maps with maps of climate and the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mapping Mount St. Helens

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students study topographic maps and contour lines and construct a simple three-dimensional model of Mount St. Helens before the May 18, 1980, eruption. They use topographic map skills to interpret the impact of the May 18, 1980, eruption...
Lesson Plan
Space Awareness

Valleys Deep and Mountains High

For Teachers 8th - Higher Ed
Sometimes the best view is from the farthest distance. Satellite imaging makes it possible to create altitude maps from far above the earth. A three-part activity has your young scientists play the role of the satellite and then use...
Activity
Seussville

The Lorax's Earth Day

For Teachers K - 6th Standards
Add a touch of Dr. Seuss whimsy to your Earth Day celebration with six pages consisting of Earth-friendly, inspiring, and engaging activities designed to enhance the beauty of your school campus and showcase the famous story, The...
Activity
Star Wars in the Classroom

Star Wars Geography Unit

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
What kind of animals live on an ice planet like Hoth? How would the habitat on Tatooine allow different organisms to thrive? Connect social studies, science, and Star Wars in one engaging activity that focuses on the ecosystems...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Design an Island

For Teachers 3rd - 12th
Students explore islands. They create a two- or three-dimensional map of an island. They explain how the topography of an area influences the location of water sources, ecosystems, and human settlements. Lesson includes adaptations for...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mapping Deep-Sea Habitat

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Young scholars create a two-dimensional topographic map and a 3-D model of landforms.  In this creative lesson students create 2 and 3-D objects and learn how to interpret the data from these things. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Introduction to Topographic Maps

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders create a topographic map and see how it represents  different elevations. In this topographic maps lesson students read and interpret topographic maps. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mapping Seamounts in the Gulf of Alaska

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students describe major topographic features on the Patton Seamount, and interpret two-dimensional topographic data. They create three-dimensional models of landforms from two-dimensional topographic data.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Effects Of Earthquakes

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students investigate the concept of how earthquakes occur and the after effects of how they effect landforms. They conduct research it using a variety of resources and measure the varying intensities of how earthquakes effect the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Oh, the Regions

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Focus on the geography of Oklahoma.  In this activity, learners compare different geographic regions in Oklahoma, create a collage to share their results, and identify important landforms throughout the United States, such as the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Pangaea Puzzle: Exploring the Tectonic Forces That Shape the Earth

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders follow in the footsteps of early scientists as they put the pieces of Pangaea back together and discovered the forces that create the variety of landforms and sea-floor features of our Earth.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Discovering New Mexico

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders discuss the elements of maps and using basic linear measurement. They calculate the distance between the cities and create a simulated journey around New Mexico using a road map. They write out the directions for their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Gallery Walk Questions on Weathering and Mass Wasting

For Teachers 9th - 12th
A set of questions on weathering and erosion are found in this resource. Some of them can be used as discussion topics or lecture guides. There are also suggested activities such as the examination of topographic quadrangles and the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Who Are the Aliens in Our Inland Seas?

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students work in teams to research specific landforms in Great Lakes Watershed, compile information into data table, and write legend explaining landform for children's book. Students then research area surrounding landform, compile...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Great Continental Drift Mystery

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Young scholars stud the concept of Pangaea by using Wegener's clues to construct a map of the continents joined together. They determine how fossil distribution can be used to enhance the study of continental drift. They locate the...