Curated OER
What Are Maps For?
Middle schoolers create a story about a problem someone could have which could be solved by the use of a map. They complete a worksheet that guides them through the features of a map of Chicago. Then they calculate story problems using...
Curated OER
Where Am I? Navigating Around the Globe
Third graders review spatial sense learned in grades one and two. They measure distances using map scales. They use atlases, and on-line sources to find geographical information.
Curated OER
Understanding Geography
Students create a map of their own neighborhood to show the relationships between the geography of the neighborhood and its economy and culture. They view and discuss an introductory video on how geographers study an area then go out...
Discovery Education
Architects in Action
Hands-on and real-world applications are great ways to teach mathematical concepts. Creative thinkers examine how ratios are used to create scale models of buildings and structures. They practice working with ratios by looking at a map...
Curated OER
Klondike Fever
Students consider the geographical aspects of the gold rush. In this gold lesson, students research just what gold is and where it has been found. Students create maps that highlight the regions of the world where gold has been found and...
Curated OER
Scaling the Map
Students practice determining map distances using the map scales. They discover how much an area represents on the map in relation to the actual area. They decide on the best place to build their cavern.
Curated OER
The Underground Railroad
Young scholars explore the Underground Railroad routes. In this map skills and Civil War instructional activity, students use map and globe reading vocabulary and skills to track the routes the slaves followed from the Bahamas to the...
Curated OER
Sectionalism
Students examine sectionalism. In this sectionalism instructional activity, students explore reasons sectionalism developed. Students realize the conflicts that led to the Civil War and how sectionalism affected citizens on the border of...
Curated OER
U.S. Geography: The Northeast
Students investigate U.S. Geography by creating a map in class. In this natural resource instructional activity, students create a map of the United States and research the Northeast based on their resources and recyclable materials. ...
Curated OER
Trash Talkin
Young scholars investigate recycling at several scales, including local, state, national and global. They become aware of recycling, re-use, reduce efforts and policies. Students read the article Where Does Your Garbage Go. They look up...
Curated OER
Scales, Scutes, and Skins
Students identify the various adaptations of reptiles and amphibians. After distinguishing between reptiles and amphibians, students discuss the ways in which their adaptations aid in their survival. They participate in a hands on...
Curated OER
Old Kids From The Bloc
Students study about wide scale construction and development in Moscow and its impact on cultural and historic preservation. They research the political, social, economic, and cultural changes in the former Eastern Bloc and create a...
Curated OER
Measuring Distance and Area in Satellite Images (College Level)
Students are able to download, install, and use Image J image analysis software to quantify change over time in satellite images. They access and download satellite images for specific locations and times. Students set a scale (spatial...
Curated OER
Guide Me "Home"
Students find how freedom quilts helped free slaves. In this American History lesson, students read the story Sweet Clara and The Freedom Quilt and discuss the Underground Railroad. They use their map skills to locate places that...
Curated OER
Possible Locations
Students create maps with cutout pieces of paper that represent caverns. They develop a scale for their map and decide where the best location is to live. They discover the importance of map reading skills.
Curated OER
Compass Rose: Dance and Quilt
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...
Curated OER
Eye From the Sky
Students are introduced to the concept of aerial perspective and scale. Students will use satellite technology to view their neighborhoods and sketch the area surrounding their schools. They will take part in a neighborhood walk to view...
Curated OER
Slavery and the Underground Railroad
Fourth graders examine the experiences of the slaves on the Underground Railroad. They analyze maps depicting slaves' routes, calculate the mileage travelled, and write an essay and create an illustration about the Underground Railroad.
Curated OER
Earthquakes: Getting Ready For The Big One
Students devise a plan to prepare a city for an earthquake. In this lesson on earthquakes, students differentiate between the different types of earthquakes, examine the impact they can have on a city, and write a proposal on how to...
Curated OER
City Life In Europe
Middle schoolers explore Paris. In this geography skills instructional activity, students watch "City Life in Europe," and conduct further research on the city of Paris and the country of France. Middle schoolers create postcards that...
Curated OER
Observing the Sky
Students explore astronomy. In this astronomy lesson, students discuss the history of the movement of celestial bodies and then communicate with other students regarding the movements that they observe in the sky nightly. Students...
University of California
Hot! Hot! Hot!
Calories are not tiny creatures that sew your clothes tighter every night, but what are they? A science lesson, presented at multiple levels, has learners experiment with heat, heat transfer, and graph the function over time. It also...
Curated OER
Through the Looking Glass: Recognizing Developing and Industrialized Countries
Students examine the regions of the world, and identify the basic characteristics of industrialized and developing countries. They conduct Internet research on the economic and population characteristics of industrialized and developing...
Curated OER
What is a Tornado? How are Tornadoes Created? How are Tornadoes Measured?
Explore the concept of tornadoes with your class. They will research what to do during tornadoes and how to measure tornadoes. Multiple resources are included.