Curated OER
Early Explorers
Fifth graders study early explorers. In this World history lesson plan, 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.
Calvin Crest Outdoor School
Survival
Equip young campers with important survival knowledge with a set of engaging lessons. Teammates work together to complete three outdoor activities, which include building a shelter, starting a campfire, and finding directions in the...
Curated OER
Where is the Water?
Students explore freshwater ecosystems. For this geography lesson, students brainstorm all the lakes and rivers they know then mark them on a map. Students will then mark all the major freshwater resources on each of the seven...
Curated OER
Geography of the United States
Students examine the population growth of the United States. In this Geography lesson, students construct a map of the fifty states. Students create a graph of the population of the USA.
Michigan Sea Grant
Exploring Watersheds
Collaboratively, students partake in a hands-on activity in which they build models of a watershed. Each group member draws an elevation map—a bird's eye view—of their model and predicts how water will flow from the high to low points....
Curated OER
Traveling Through North America
Students identify places and landmarks in North America, specifically Canada and the United States, by using and constructing maps. Six lessons on one page; includes test.
Curated OER
Graphin' And Glyphin' Utah Weather
Fourth graders investigate the concepts of looking at sets of data. The focus of the study is upon the local weather of Utah. They study the weather found in the city and in the country and make comparisons based upon geographical location.
Curated OER
Ancient Highways-Native Byways of Salmon Lake State Park
Eighth graders investigate the concept of the trail system used by the Native Americans. They compare and contrast the trails to modern transportation roadways of today. Students also define the types of information archaeologists use to...
Curated OER
Dead Sea Investigation: Middle East and African Connections
Pupils demonstrate comprehension of the physical characteristics of the Dead Sea region and its connection to the Red Sea and the African Great Rift Valley. They are given students the opportunity to understand the role of plate...
Curated OER
Richard Misrach
Students analyze the Great Salt Lake as a resource for artistic work and other studies. In this art analysis lesson, students view maps that show the location of the Great Salt Lake including a satellite image. Students can also study...
Curated OER
A Funny Taste
Students participate in a demonstration that illustrates the relative amounts of salt in various bodies of water including the Dead Sea, Sallt Lake, Ocean water and distilled water. They taste and compare various mixtures.
Curated OER
America the Beautiful
Students analyze the physical geography of the United States and how we have adapted to or altered the land to create the country we know today. Students complete maps with physical features, states and cities of interest.
Curated OER
Centennial: Ghost Riders And Rest Stops
Fourth graders read aged letters that describe communities or stops along the route of the early Pony Express. Each day they mark on a map where the letters come from and chart the Pony Express route. They compare to today's mail and...
Curated OER
Headin' West! The Life of a Pioneer
Students explore the life of a pioneer and the relationship between the concept of Manifest Destiny and pioneering. Students complete activities, maps, writing and reading to experience pioneer life. Handouts and worksheets are included...
Curated OER
Come On Over To Maya Place
Fifth graders analyze the Mayan culture. In this Mayan culture lesson, 5th graders study the Mayan culture noting similarities and differences between the Mayan culture and their own. Students examine hieroglyphic writing and the Mayan...
Curated OER
The Expansion of The United States, 1846-1848
Learners interpret historical maps,identify territories acquired by the United States in the 1840s. Also they identify states later formed from these territories. The primary sources for the lesson are the maps found in the lesson's...
Curated OER
Finding Your Way Around the I & M Canal
Fifth graders utilize a map of the I&M Canal (imbedded in this plan), and perform a series of tasks. They calculate distance, find specific points of interest and solve a set of story problems about the canal.
Curated OER
Angkor What? Angkor Wat!
Tenth graders examine Angkor Wat and its place in history. They visit websites, utilize maps, and complete interactive worksheets. Students investigate the local temple to discover its purpose.
Curated OER
Discovering the Oasis
Students focus on the types of vegetation and animal life living around local water sources. This instructional activity can be adapted to any local water source, whether it be a lake, a river, stream or ocean. It has a particular...
Curated OER
Designing a Park and Lodge
Students view a video entitle Great Lodges of the National Parks. They design, in groups of three, their own park based on research of a specific area. Each member of the group possess a different task in order to accomplish the project.
Curated OER
The Mussels Are Coming
Learners work together to identify and describe the various types of mussels. Using a color-coded system, they plot the arrival date of zebra mussels in North American waters. They discuss the increase in their population with the class.
Scholastic
Perfect Postcards: Illinois
Connect the geography and history of Illinois using an art-centered lesson on the railroads. The railroad connected once-distant places, particularly in the Midwest. Using research, class members create postcards of fictional cross-state...
Curated OER
Mystery State #15
Do you know the name of the Badger State? Using five fantastic clues, your super sleuths will determine the name of mystery state number 15. A wonderful way to warm up the class!
Curated OER
Aquatic Exotics
Young scholars identify and describe the aquatic exotic species found in Illinois. Using the internet, they research the species origins and discover their effects on native species in the area. They discuss how appropriate it is to...