Curated OER
Read a Map ... It's a Snap!
Students are introduced to map and globe skills. They use grids and are able to construct their own simple maps of familiar places. Students are able to define a map, globe, and symbol and use the direction words north, south, east,...
Curated OER
A History of the War of 1812 and The Star-Spangled Banner
Learners examine the causes and outcomes of the War of 1812, and determine the chronology of the Star-Spangled Banner. In this War of 1812 instructional activity, students learn vocabulary and read a narrative about the War of 1812...
Curated OER
Under Pressure: How Deep Can They Dive?
Students explore geography by conducting an in-class experiment. In this deep sea exploration lesson plan, students identify the different zones of the ocean and utilize water bottles, masking tape and scissors to conduct a water...
Curated OER
The Human Costs of War
Students explore the concept of civilian cost to armed warfare. They explore the role of the military, civilians and of press coverage during armed conflicts, creating posters illustrating their research on post-WW II military conflicts.
Curated OER
People, Places and Events
Students participate in the game People, Places, and Events to practice their science, and social studies skills
Curated OER
The Motions of the Oceans
Students examine the topics of ocean waves, currents, and tides. They locate and label ocean currents on a world map, conduct experiments, analyze key vocabulary, view demonstrations and record the data, and complete handouts.
Curated OER
Environment: The River Classroom
Seventh graders engage in hands-on experiments and activities dealing with rivers and greenways. They also observe lectures and demonstrations by experts in water and river restoration. Students and teachers participate in canoe trips...
Curated OER
World Religions
Ninth graders investigate the symbols and historical figures of the five main religions of the world. They participate in a class discussion, listen to a lecture and take notes, and write five Haikus, one about each major religion of...
Curated OER
Araceli Solis Butterflies Unit
Third graders study the life cycle, eating habits, habitats, and migration patterns of butterflies in this series of lessons.
University of New Mexico
New Mexico Land of Enchantment
Third graders research Native American Cultures surrounding New Mexico. They analyze the history and geography of the state. They play a guessing game that incorporates the indigenous plants and animals of New Mexico. In groups, learners...
Curated OER
Out With the Old, in With the New
Students engage in a lesson that is concerned with the concept of the Soviet Union and compared to the new Democratic Russia. They conduct research using a variety of resources. The information is used in order to create a class project.
Curated OER
How Size Shapes Animals
Learners investigate how size affects large and small animals differently. In this animal lesson plan, students determine how size affects different animals by constructing their own animal out of marshmallows. Once learners create...
Curated OER
A Yuccy Situation
Students examine the concept of nuclear waste storage. In this interdisciplinary lesson, students research Yucca Mountain in order to compare and contrast opposing views regarding the nuclear waste site there. Students compose a letter...
Curated OER
Whose Manifest Destiny?
Students examine the Westward expansion. In this North American settlers lesson, students will view a PowerPoint presentation and answer critical thinking questions. Students will write an essay that analyzes the impact of westward...
Curated OER
The Crash, the Dust, and the New Deal
Students explore the Great Depression. In this American history lesson, students examine primary sources in order to research the Stock Market Crash of 1929, the Dust Bowl, and the Neal Deal. Students study the impact on these events on...
Curated OER
Mr. Popper's Penguin's
Fourth graders locate Antarctica and recognize it as the setting of Mr. Popper's Penguins. In this Mr. Popper's Penguins lesson plan, 4th graders understand the financial decisions made by Mr. Popper. Students discuss wise spending....
Curated OER
Watersheds: The San Francisco Bay Watershed
Sixth graders make a model of a watershed. In this geography lesson, 6th graders view a shaded relief map of California and locate landmarks. Students examine the San Francisco Bay Watershed by following the journey of water through...
Curated OER
Early Explorers
Fifth graders study early explorers. In this World history lesson, 5th graders draw an outline of a map labeling each part, build geographical features out of dough, and paint each of the land and water features.
Curated OER
Immigration in America
Students use primary sources to study immigration. In this immigration lesson, students analyze photographs, posters, letters, and documents from Ellis Island. Students complete analysis worksheets as they evaluate the primary sources.
Curated OER
Nureyev: The Unconquerable Will
Students consider the development of dance across cultures. In this dance genre lesson plan, students study the history of Russia and the Mongol Tatars. Students research how classical ballet made its way to Russia and create...
Curated OER
Global Climate Lesson Plans
Students explore the concept of global climate. In this global climate lesson plan, students research and investigate global warming and its effects on the world over the course of 9 lessons. Students create a proposal that show the...
Curated OER
What Color is the Ocean?
Learners view satellite pictures of the ocean, and discuss the presence of phytoplankton and the colors of the ocean. Students compare/contrast ocean satellite images with maps and globes, then color world maps to replicate the satellite...
Curated OER
Orienteering - Lesson 1 - Maps & Map Scales
Lesson 1 of 10 lessons in this orienteering unit is about maps and map scales. After all, orienteering is all about maps, compasses, and finding ones' way around. It is imperative to be able to read maps and understand the relevance of...
Orange County Water Atlas
Location, Location, Location…
Young geographers discover not only how to read and recognize coordinates on a map, but also gain a deeper understanding of latitude and longitude and how climate changes can vary significantly across latitudes.