Curated OER
Scaling it Down: Caves Have Maps, Too
Measurement and map skills are the focus of this lesson, where students crawl through a "cave" made out of boxes, desks and chairs, observing the dimensions. Your young geographers measure various aspects of the cave and practice math...
Curated OER
Playground Mapping
Students convert their physical models of a playground from a previous lesson into a map of the playground that includes a scale and key. They examine and discuss examples of maps, view an image to map photo essay, and create a map using...
Curated OER
Math and Measurement
Engage the class in exploring linear measurement and map scales. They work in groups to measure various distances in the classroom and convert measurements to other units as directed by the teacher. To access this Word document, click on...
Curated OER
Introduction to Field Mapping with a Compass and Pace
Students practice using compass and calibrate their own pace, take field measurements of pre-set course with compass and pace, convert measurements into map, using angles and vectors, and make composite class map by adjusting different...
Curated OER
Map Adventures
Students explore the relationship between a scale drawing and actual distance. In this mapping lesson plan, students use an amusement park map to determine distances and what they would be like in real life.
Curated OER
Basic Mapping Skills
Establish and study the parts of a map with your class and, then they will work in small groups to create their own detailed map, including a legend. There are specific instructions to follow on what needs to be included.
Curated OER
The Crash Scene
Fifth graders explore geography by participating in a mapping activity. In this engineering lesson, 5th graders identify the differences between latitude and longitude and practice locating precise points on a globe or map. Students...
Curated OER
Lesson Plan: Using Maps and Scales to Get to the Basketball Hall of Fame
Students view a quicktime video of basketball players going from Atlanta to Springfield, Mass. In this scaling lesson, students use a map to calculate the distance of the trip and the length of travel time. Students apply ratio and...
Curated OER
Exploring the Hudson in 1609
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...
Curated OER
Johnny Appleseed Walkabout
Second graders calculate mileage for a journey. In this place value and measurement instructional activity, 2nd graders read Johnny Appleseed, work in groups to locate his birthplace on a map, locate the other states he stopped in, and...
Edgate
Great Grids
Learners use grid boxes as a measurement tool and discover how grids are used for mapmaking and scaling down an area. They begin by attempting to draw a model shape drawn by the teacher by using the gridding process. At the conclusion of...
Curated OER
You Are Here
Students map local places and learn to use scale and distance. In this mapping lesson, students map their school and a favorite place. Students recreate their maps showing distance and scale sizes. Students locate their location on a...
Curated OER
Colonial Vacation Planner
Looking for a good lesson on the Colonial Period for your upper-elementary class? Then, this lesson is for you! They use website designs, U.S. travel publications, and maps to plan a family vacation to states which were part of the...
Curated OER
Inches Away
Pupils are introduced to maps, scale representations, ratios and cartography. They plot the itinerary for their family's dream vacation or a trip across the United States. Using maps, they determine the short route and second longer...
Curated OER
Cartography Project
A activity involving mapping, the use of a compass, writing and following directions, and exploring the first two themes of geography is here for you. Learners create original maps that show the routes they take through their own...
Curated OER
Playground Mapping
Students review their physical models of the objects on their playground at school. Using the model, they convert it into a map with a scale and key. To end the lesson, they use the map to locate different objects and measure the...
Curated OER
Where Is Japan? How Far Is That?
First graders use literature and hands-on activities with maps and globes to explain distance and tools used to measure distance. They select tools to measure various objects in the classroom, then apply those concepts to their map...
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Mapping India
Students participate in an activity in which they place placards listing geographic features, landmarks, etc. in the correct place on a large fabric map of a given country. They also examine artifacts, photos, sounds/music, etc. from...
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Calculating Distance On Maps
Fourth graders determine the mileage from the local community to various scenic attractions in the Four-Corners-Region. They receive direct instruction and carry out activities in cooperative group settings.
Curated OER
Cruisin' the Counties: Learning Counties and Major Roads in Arizona
Pupils examine Arizona counties and use the themes of location and movement to develop an Arizona map.
Curated OER
Mathematics of Cartography
Students practice their math skills as they explore maps. In this cartography lesson, students calculate distance, scale, coordinate systems, and projection as they work independently reading online maps.
Curated OER
Congressional Travel
Learners determine the distances traveled by the members of the legislative branch of the US Government. In this travel distance lesson plan, students locate Washington, DC on a globe using the longitude and latitude of the city. They...
Curated OER
Cookie Topography
Students construct a cross section diagram showing elevation changes on a "cookie island." Using a chocolate chip cookie for an island, they locate the highest point in centimeters on the cookie and create a scale in feet. After tracing...
Curated OER
Colonial Vacation Planner
Students plan a family vacation to states that were among the original 13 colonies. The groups determine which state they visit, map their route, calculate the mileage, and determine how much money they spend on gasoline.