Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Introduction to the Globe

For Teachers K - 4th
Students investigate how to use a globe. In this map skills lesson, students define what a globe is and locate the various continents on the globe. Students are also asked to locate the four oceans on the globe.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Where in the world is...

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students identify locations around the world.  In this mapping lesson, students place tag board pieces with names of locations on a wall map of the world.  Initially, students identify states, then cities, then continents,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

New: Around the World

For Teachers 1st
First graders identify and demonstrate how symbols and models are used to represent features of the environment. They use a map and a globe to label where the students in the book came from, point out the continent, and show which ocean...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

North America, Then and Now

For Teachers K - 2nd
Learners identify ocean, lake, gulf, and continent on maps of North America from 1845 and the present, and identify Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, the Great Lakes, and the Gulf of Mexico on maps of North America from 1845 and the present.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Hypothermia on the High Seas

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students identify and present the effects on humans when the body temperature falls, demonstrate and explain how the body loses heat, and understand hypothermia and cold water survival techniques.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Making a Globe

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students examine the mercator projection or nautical chart and observe how global maps do not have the same distance as flat maps. They design handmade globes using the meridians and equator as guides to draw in the land. They paint and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Introduction to the World Globe

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Learners examine a globe and the world map to see what constitutes the differences. In this world map introductory lesson plan, students discuss what they see when they view the globe. Learners then, look at a world map and compare the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Corals and Coral Reefs

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Students label the continents, oceans, and seas on a provided world map and use it to determine where they would expect most of the world's coral reefs to be found based on provided information the teacher has read to them.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Christopher Columbus: The Man, the Myth, the Legend

For Teachers K
Learn more about maps by examining Christopher Columbus's voyage to the New World. Kindergartners will learn about basic map skills and how to identify the compass rose, oceans, and land masses. They will also discover the purpose of...
Lesson Plan
California Academy of Science

Tropical Belt

For Teachers K - 4th Standards
Where in the world is the equator? Explore a world map with your class, coloring in oceans, continents, and rainforests while locating the three major lines of latitude: the equator, Tropic of Cancer, and Tropic of Capricorn. Discuss how...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Spice Up Your Life

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders identify major spices found in the world. They link spices with countries they are grown in and the uses for these valuable items.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Down on the Ocean Floor

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Young scholars build a map of the Atlantic Ocean floor and mark the different depths.  In this ocean floor lesson students identify parts of the ocean floor that they created and discuss patterns that they see.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Book Is A Window To the World

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders listen to pieces of literature that take place in different regions of the world. Using a map, they identify and locate the continents and oceans mentioned in the story. They describe the physical and human characteristics...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Ocean Floor -- Science

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers work together to create a model of the ocean floor. They practice using new vocabulary associated with the ocean floor as well. They share their model with the class.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Continents and Oceans on the Move

For Teachers 6th - 10th
Students create an awareness of the vast percentage of water covering the earth. They relate similarities/differences between topographical maps and other maps of various time periods. Students examine how to use a topographical map.
Lesson Plan
BrainPOP

Latitude and Longitude Differentiated Lesson Plan

For Teachers 3rd - 5th Standards
Scholars warm-up their map skills with a discussion using location words to describe familiar places. An engaging video informs class members about latitude and longitude. Three leveled activities extend the learning experience for...
Lesson Plan
NOAA

I Can't Breathe!

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
The Gulf of Mexico dead zone, an area of low oxygen that kills marine life, costs the United States $82 million every year. Young scientists research anoxic ocean environments then come up with a hypothesis for the cause of the Gulf of...
Lesson Plan
World Maps Online

Introduction to the World Map

For Teachers K - 3rd
Students identify the differences between maps and globes. In this map skills instructional activity, students are shown a globe and a map and recognize the differences. Students use post-it notes to locate several locations on the world...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Places in My World

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders explore where they are located on the globe. In this maps and globes lesson, 2nd graders use a map to show where they live and  show the cardinal directions. Students identify characteristics of mountains, flat land,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Fantastic Flying Journey

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders listen to a teacher reading of the "Fantastic Flying Journey." students research each country/continent using the Internet and creating a travel journal.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploring Marine Objects

For Teachers 1st - 7th
Students identify the sources of water on Earth. In this life science lesson, students list the different plants and animals that live in the ocean. They explore marine objects in the lab and draw them.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Learning About Our World

For Teachers 1st - 6th
Young scholars explore their world using the book "This is the Way We Go to School." They predict information about the story based on the title and pictures. Students label a world map with the names of continents and oceans. They write...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Dynamic Earth

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students participate in assessments related to the layers of the Earth. They read chapters of text, answer questions, watch videos, and identify and label continents and oceans on a map. They design posters, create vocabulary cards,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Plates on the Move

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore how Africa appears to be tearing apart from Asia and tha the other continents are moving and oceans are changing size.