Curated OER
Making a Map
Students are introduced to maps by examining the various types and practice using a key to find information. They each create their own map with a key and graph information. As a class, they read the story "Henny Penny" and share their...
Curated OER
Can You Find Me Now?
Students locate points using longitude and latitude coordinates. They locate their home using longitude and latitude, explore the uses of GPS, and accurately use a GPS.
Curated OER
The Physical World: Continents and Oceans
In this world map worksheet, study the map of the continents and oceans. Students label each of the 12 sections of the world map.
Curated OER
Muppet Treasure Island
Students watch the movie "Muppet Treasure Island" and then taking on roles of characters in the movie answer navigational questions to try discover the location of a treasure hidden by the teacher.
Curated OER
All Aboard!
Students research the history and background of snowboarding as well as the two main types of competition; the Giant Slalom and the Halfpipe. They find the schedule of past and future events and plot the locations of as many of these...
Curated OER
National Expansion
Middle schoolers investigate the Manifest Denstiny. They explore how the idea was evident in 19th century American maps. Students brainstorm the relationships between maps and national expansion. They review a map from 1816 that called...
Curated OER
Orienteering Lessons - Overview
Welcome to the Orienteering lesson plans page. There is a short introduction to the topic and links to the ten lessons in this unit. There is also a linkto the unit home page. This orienteering unit is worth taking a look at.
Curated OER
Charting Neptune's Realm: Profiles
Students identify and describe the importance of nautical profiles in early navigation. They draw a profile of a street or mall and explore the effectiveness of different types of directions.
Curated OER
My World
Students study maps. For this social studies lesson, students draw a map of either their room at home or the route they take to school. Students label items on their maps.
Curated OER
United States Geography and Topography
Fifth graders recognize the major regions of the US while reading a map. Students study the physical features of the US. Student research and report on states and their capitols.
Curated OER
Mapping My World
Students are introduced to simple maps and view a map of a classroom and compare distances of items shown.
Curated OER
Outline Map of Japan
In this geography learning exercise, students examine a black line outline map of Japan. There is a compass rose on the page. There are no labeled cities.
Curated OER
Temperature and Daily Life: Mexico City and Indianapolis
Pupils compare the effect of temperature on daily life of a citizen in Mexico City, Mexico with that of a citizen of Indianapolis, Indiana.
Space Awareness
Where on Earth Am I?
Almost every phone has GPS installed, but a large number of teens don't know how the technology works. An initial activity illustrates how GPS determines a location on Earth. Scholars then apply trilateration procedures to a...
Teach Engineering
What is GIS?
Is GIS the real manifestation of Harry Potter's Marauders Map? Introduce your class to the history of geographic information systems (GIS), the technology that allows for easy use of spatial information, with a resource that teaches...
Curated OER
Create Your Own Country Project
Young scholars demonstrate their knowledge of geography with this fun, collaborative social studies project. Working in small groups, students develop their very own countries, writing descriptions...
EngageNY
Synthesizing Information: Living Things in the Rainforest
How is a map a type of informational text? Class members view a world map of major rainforests, discussing its text features with a partner. Next, they take notes on key details from multiple texts about rainforests and write an...
Roald Dahl
Matilda - The Reader of Books
The titular Matilda from Roald Dahl's famous novel adored books above all things. Discuss why it is important to read stories from across cultures and around the world using the first chapter from the ever-loved story Matilda.
Curated OER
Call to Arms: A Service Project
Sick of selling candy and washing cars? How about hosting a Digital Day or a Learning Lunch? The suggestions here make fund raising fun and rewarding. Raise money to preserve important maps and other primary source documents.
The New York Times
Kiev in Chaos: Teaching About the Crisis in Ukraine
Provide a historical context for the political unrest between Russia and Ukraine that began in late 2013. Learners review their prior knowledge and chronicle new understandings with a KWL chart, watch a video explaining the Ukrainian...
Scholastic
The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
The Colossus of Rhodes, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Lighthouse of Alexandria. Young archeologists investigate the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, map their locations, and match their names with brief descriptions and images....
Curated OER
Bears and Panthers Aplenty: Early Settlers Make a Home in Arkansas
Young historians research the Southwest Trail, which ran through Arkansas back in the 19th century. Pupils are divided into four groups. Each group researches a pioneer who blazed the Southwest Trail. Then, the group presents an oral or...
Curated OER
Geography Booklet
Sixth graders explore geography terms. Students use resources to find real examples of landforms in the world. They create a map showing the landform. students label the surrounding features, countries and states. Students use each...
Curated OER
World Map Labels
In this geography skills worksheet, students identify the countries and bodies of water labelled on the maps of the world, Africa, Asia, Canada, Europe, the Caribbean, the Middle East, North America, Australia, and South America.