Students investigate the rivers encountered and mapped by the Corps of Discovery. They analyze maps, outline and label rivers on a blank map, complete a chart, and answer discussion questions while watching a National Geographic video,...

Students learn why the census makes a difference. In this U.S. Census lesson plan, students learn the key elements of cartography, examine the difference between data and their representation, and create a map using census data.

In this name the states worksheet, students examine 6 state map outlines and identify each of them by writing the state names and postal abbreviations.

In this name the states learning exercise, learners examine 6 state map outlines and identify each of them by writing the state names and postal abbreviations.

Young scholars explore cartography.  In this map skills and map making lesson, Students work in groups to create wall size world maps including legends, compass roses, latitude and longitude, and physical features.  Young...

Young scholars make connections between changes in voting participation and the election of 1828, and describe regional factors evidenced by the voting results of the election of 1828.

Learners develop their geography skills. In this Lewis and Clark lesson plan, students collaborate to calculate the time and distance of different segments of the expedition. Learners compare their estimate to Lewis and Clark's.

Students comprehend the history of European exploration of North America. They are introduced to basic reasearch techniques. Students focus on four explorers who visited New York State: Verrazano, Cartier, Champlian, and Hudson. They...

Provide your 11th graders with a basic understanding of U.S. Geography. They label the state, regions, and boundaries found in the contiguous U.S. as well as Hawaii and Alaska. Then, they complete two Internet related activities. 

Take a trip to Puerto Rico! Learners engage in a web quest, identify Puerto Rico on the map, and gather information related to physical features and cultural factors. Their efforts culminate when they design a brochure comparing the...

Detailing the Presidential elections of 1876, 1884, and 1892, this slideshow focuses on the final years of the 19th century in the United States. Additionally, slides include information on the changes in Southern plantations and growth...

A series of maps take viewers through the Antebellum period in American history. Focusing on the elections of Buchanan and Lincoln, as well as the Southern opposition to secession, the slideshow would make a good companion to a lecture...

Intended for use with The American Pageant by David Kennedy, Lizabeth Cohen, and Mel Piehl, this slideshow includes maps and graphs that detail politics and social dynamics in 1960's America. The textbook is not necessary for...

One of the most confusing aspects of any presidential election year is the role of the Electoral College. Learners read a bit about how the Electoral College works and then they hold a mock election in their classroom. They'll redraw a...

Learners explain and interpret topographic maps.

In this earthquake exploration worksheet, students complete 2 prior knowledge questions, then use "Building Topographic Maps Gizmo" to conduct several activities, completing short answer questions when finished.

Here is a traditional multiple-choice, true/false, and fill-in-the-blank assessment on the presidency of James Monroe in the United States. It was designed to supplement a particular textbook chapter, but could be used to assess learning...

Second graders locate Russia on a map or globe and work in pairs to complete the Map worksheet. They read the book, A Tale of Two Frogs stopping after page 15. They write an ending to the story and then read more of the book stopping...

The political landscape of Y2K is the focus of this series of slides, which cover the later years of the 20th century. Charts detail the poverty and social welfare rates in the 20th century, as well as a pie graph displaying the sources...

Pupils investigate the influence Africa has had on African-American families as they have migrated from Africa to various sections of the United States. They utilize map skills to locate regions in Africa and in the United States.

Students explore political parties by researching world history in class. In this Australian government instructional activity, students identify the term "federation" and discuss the elements of Australian politics. Students analyze a...

Fifth graders study the 50 states on a map. In this social studies lesson, 5th graders identify the names of the states and location. Additionally, students work in small groups to name and locate as many states as they can on a blank...

Students are introduced to the state quarter program and examine the Colorado state quarter. They locate Colorado on a map and create a map with a key. They discuss the state motto and examine pictures of the state's geographical features.

Students create relief maps of Canada and Mexico out of everyday objects like dried macaroni, dry rice, sand, etc. They create a clue card for a location game and try to stump their classmates. They host a travel fair to display their...