Facing History and Ourselves
Social Media and Ferguson
How can social media help or hinder civil dialogue? How can information shared on social media be verified? As the investigation of media reports of the events surrounding the shooting of Michael Brown continues, class members read...
Curated OER
Modeling Shadows
Students demonstrate understanding of shadows by creating a physical model of concepts taught.
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Orienteering - Introductory Lesson
Gain knowledge of directions and degrees while learning how to read a compass. NEWS - north, east, west, south, and everything in between. It's crucial to be accurate in reading a compass and understanding degrees and direction when...
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Esperanza Rising: Lesson 2
Sixth graders explore adversity. In this summarizing lesson students compare their culture to the Hispanic culture. Students reflect on a time they were met with adversity. Students summarize Chapter 1 of Esperanza Rising.
Ball State University
Dear Pen Pal
Keep your class in conversation with others across the country or across the sea by writing letters to pen pals. The activity calls for students to be pan pals with pupils in Africa; however, the listed steps could be used for any...
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3D Textured Globe
The earth, our home planet, and the star of Earth Day celebrations everywhere! Celebrate Earth Day or examine Earth's place in the solar system, with a fun and easy craft, perfect for children nine and up. Paper mache ornaments, paint,...
HISTORY Channel
Westward Expansion of the United States
How did early American pioneers decide what to take with them on their journeys, and what was their traveling experience like? Here you'll find a collection of activities to help you explore Westward Expansion with your young learners.
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Measuring Precipitation
A little engineering design is mixed into this lesson on precipitation measurement. Groups plan and construct a rain gauge, and use it to collect precipitation. As part of the PowerPoint presentation, learners view a satellite map of...
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Time Capsule: Oral Presentation
A great way to gain proficiency when learning a new language is to prepare an oral presentation.  In this foreign language instructional activity, pairs collaborate to develop a Time Capsule which they present to their class using...
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Mapping with a Compass: A Simulated Survey
Students use compasses and grids to map the locations of artifacts found in a simulated dig site.  In groups, they role-play as future archeologists excavating a school site.  Groups begin at their assigned datum and site the artifacts...
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Investigating Earthquakes: GIS Mapping and Analysis
Students describes the technique of preparing "GIS-ready" data and shows how to map that data and conduct basic analyses using a geographic information system (GIS).They use latitude and longitude fields to plot the data in a GIS and...
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Study of New York City
Fourth graders read A Cricket in Times Square and examine the essence of living in New York City.  They examine subway maps and other resources concerning NYC and then complete several writing activities about the city.  They also create...
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Latitude and Longitude: Geography and Geometry!
Second graders use latitude and longitude coordinates to pinpoint an exact location on the map. In this geography instructional activity, 2nd graders utilize handouts from the Maritime Museum in order to gain practice in finding...
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Coordinate Grid: Mapping Archeological Sites
Fourth graders discover how to apply the Cartesian coordinate system by figuring out the length and width of their school playground.  They determine that pacing is an important tool for the initial mapping of a site.  Students conduct a...
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Mars Geologic Mapping
Students identify and interpret photographic details of a Martian surface image, design, and create a simple features map.  They identify and interpret the geologic history of a part of Mars' surface and then, analyze and discuss the...
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Finding My Way
Students determine a route from their home to the Stones River National Battlefield. In this map work lesson plan, students use a detailed city map of Murfreesboro to locate a route to the Stones River National Battlefield. They follow...
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A Multicultural Study: Chinese New Year
Learners study the customs and beliefs of the Chinese people as they experience Chinese New Year; students become aware that they live on one planet but their festivals and holidays vary.
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TOPSY TURVY MAPS
Eighth graders use the data analyzer and motion detector to collect data and measure distances. They create topographic maps drawn to scale of a given setup and relate the concepts to the creation of historical ocean maps.
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Native American Homelands
Students discuss the Navajo, Sioux, and Iroquois tribes, noting their distinctive characteristics.  They trace the homeland of each of the tribes on maps and create map keys.  Students explain how they developed their map keys.
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Neighborhood Map Machine
Second graders study building placements in a neighborhood. They discuss businesses, roads, houses, rivers, police/fire stations, and use  Neighborhood Map Machine to create a new map. They  complete an exploratory map and community of...
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Oil Spill ESI Maps
In this environmental science worksheet, students study and read ESI maps on oil spills and complete 8 short answer questions that follow.
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Algebra/Geometry Institute Summer 2007: Graphing Activity
Seventh graders practice identifying coordinates by examining a city map.  In this graphing activity, 7th graders create coordinate directions on an index card and practice locating these locations on a grid.  Students read and...
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Mapping and Excavating a Jello Mold
Fifth graders, in groups, map the three layers of different colored jello layers in molds and note the placement of fruit in them.  On the grid paper they draw each grape, raisin, or other object and carefully remove each layer.  After...
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Movement of Air Mind Map Activity
Students explore the movement of air.  For this air lesson, students discuss and give examples of air ventilation.  Students compare outdoor and indoor air quality.  Students create mind maps as a visual representation of...