Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Me on the Map Lesson 1

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students use maps, globes, geographic information systems and other sources of information to analyze the nature of places at a variety of scales. They identify on a map and determine the population of the city, county, state, country...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Draw To Scale The E-Z Way

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders draw a rough floor plan of a house to scale without using a ruler to determine measurements. They see how architects use scale to draw blueprints, and solve math problems using scale.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Worksheet for Analysis of a Map

For Students 6th - 10th
For this primary source analysis worksheet, students respond to 6 short answer questions that require them to analyze the maps of their choice.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Drawing A Map

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students discuss any information they already know about maps. As a class, they draw a map of a park following written directions making sure to include a compass rose and key. They are graded based on a rubric and discuss the need for...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Tracing Highs and Lows in San Francisco

For Teachers 9th - 12th
On a topographic map, students identify the scale bar, north arrow, and contour interval. They then locate a hill on the map and make note of the contour lines. Students then locate other places with similar contour line patterns....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Geography of South America

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Student's identify geographic features of a South American map. They use the scale of the map to calculate distances between points. They identify examples of the five geographic themes on the map of South America.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Orienteering - Lesson 4 - Distance and Height

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Pretend that you've been dropped onto a mountain, in the middle of nowhere,  and all you have to find your way is a topographical map and a compass. Could you find your way to the nearest town? Orienteering teaches the skills of map...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploring Hawaiian Mountain Zones

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders watch a video that describes the climate and vegetation zones of Hawaii. They describe the different physical conditions that create vegetation zones from the sea to the mountains. In groups, they create an illustrated...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rivers Run Through It

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Using a relief map of New York State, learners answer questions about the distance between different cities, identify bodies of water, and more. First, they discuss vocabulary related to the Hudson River area. Then, they complete a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

River Run Through It

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
With vocabulary lists, worksheets, and more, this lesson sets learners on an exploration of the Hudson River area. They read an essay about the area, analyze a relief map of New York State, and complete a worksheet.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploring the Hudson in 1609

For Teachers 4th - 6th Standards
While this lesson focuses on a study of the Hudson River, it could be used as a template for a discussion of map skills, converting measurements, and plotting a route. The lesson includes vocabulary and other resources to make it a...
PPT
Curated OER

Science Jeopardy - The Earth Sciences

For Teachers 6th - 8th
The earth sciences are the focus for this Jeopardy-style review game. Categories include geology, space, scientific investigation, meteorology, and oceanography. Diagrams and pictures are involved with most of the questions, making this...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Crash Scene

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders explore geography by participating in a mapping activity. In this engineering instructional activity, 5th graders identify the differences between latitude and longitude and practice locating precise points on a globe or...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

You Are Here

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students map local places and learn to use scale and distance.  In this mapping lesson plan, students map their school and a favorite place.  Students recreate their maps showing distance and scale sizes. Students locate their...
Activity
101 Questions

Neptune

For Teachers 6th - 10th Standards
Examine an innovative approach to a large-scale model. Pupils across the state of Maine teamed up to create a model of the solar system that spans 40 miles. Put thinking skills to work within your classes as they make the calculations to...
Interactive
Curated OER

Formulas Multiple Choice

For Students 9th - 12th
In this formulas learning exercise, students determine the distance between two points.  They read story problems, identify needed information, write equations and solve them.  Students find the midpoint of a line.  This...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Isoseismal Maps

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Young scholars examine the difference between magnitude and intensity in earthquakes. They complete map work and write a first hand account of a person living in each level of intensity on the Modified Mercalli Scale.
Assessment
Mathematics Assessment Project

Geometry

For Students 7th - 8th Standards
Help learners find joy in facing mathematical challenges. The questions posed on this instructional activity encourage young mathematicians to utilize skills learned throughout a geometry unit, and to apply themselves and persevere...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Making Personal Maps

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students study maps and become familiar with how to use one.  In this investigative lesson students create a map of an area and provide a legend. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Design an Island

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Students make a map of an imaginary island using the topographic symbols provided from a worksheet. Students place lakes, dwellins, reefs, etc. in areas where they would logically be located from understanding how the topography of an...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Map Maker Map Maker

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students create their own maps. In this map making lesson, students go to Microsoft Word and create a chart. They label directions, buildings, streets, and distance. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Understanding Topographic Maps

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Underclassmen create a cone-shaped landform and then draw a contour map for it. Then they examine a quadrangle (which was easily located with an online search), and relate it to what they experienced. The accompanying worksheet is...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Making a Map of the Classroom

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students create a map of the classroom using the computer programs AppleWorks and iChat in this math-based technology lesson. Lesson extension ideas include a scavenger hunt and maps of other school buildings.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Understanding Geography

For Teachers 5th - 8th
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...