Lesson Plan
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Why All Maps Lie

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders discover the fundamental advantages/disadvantages of both maps and globes. They see that maps may distort size, shape, distance and direction. They discuss the advantages and applications of 5 types of map projections and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Introducing Maps Through Dance

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
Students are introduced to the key concepts of maps; direction, pathway/line, shape and symbol. They create the pathways and shapes they have "mapped" out on paper on the floor. They dance along the paths.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mapping the News

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students 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.  Students collect...
Activity
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3D Textured Globe

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
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,...
Unit Plan
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Investigating Our Place in the World

For Teachers K
Students study the concept of geography in a year long unit. In this geography unit, students participate in different activities that explain the spatial sense of the world, the physical landmasses and bodies of water, geographic...
Lesson Plan
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Geography and Culture in South Carolina

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students explore South Carolina. In this cultural heritage lesson, students investigate the topography of South Carolina using maps. Students are engaged in identifying the different regions of the state and examine the cultural heritage...
Worksheet
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What is a Globe?

For Students 1st - 2nd
In this globe activity, students read a definition of a globe and identify the North Pole. Students color the globe to illustrate the land and water.
Lesson Plan
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Finding Meaning in the Badge

For Teachers Pre-K - K
Children who are three to five years old study two rank badges from the Qing dynasty to develop an understanding of social rank, language skills, and symbolism. The lesson is discussion-based and requires learners to compare and contrast...
Lesson Plan
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Three Mapping Activities

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students label three maps of China after being introduced to background information about the country. For this geography lesson, students color two maps and label various points of interest in China. Finally, students draw...
Unit Plan
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Where in the Latitude Are You? A Longitude Here.

For Teachers 5th
Students distinguish between latitude and longitude on the map. In this mapping lesson, students participate in mapping skills to recognize spatial relationships, and where to find natural resources on the map. Students create...
Lesson Plan
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Curated OER

Winter Holiday Activities Extravaganza

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students define culture and explore elements that are part of the custom or culture of a place.  In this holiday instructional activity, students identify the cultures they participate in.  Students identify the differences in...
Lesson Plan
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Exploring an Atlas

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students explore global geography by participating in an atlas activity. In this countries of the world lesson, students collaborate in small groups and analyze an atlas while researching continents, countries and demographics. Students...
Unit Plan
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Mexico: One Land, Many Cultures

For Teachers 1st
Students, through a variety of activities, discover the geography and culture of Mexico. They make maps, read folktales, write a journal, create pinatas and other artistic pieces, and review the history of Mexico.
Lesson Plan
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Honing in on Hummingbirds

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Students explore ruby-throated hummingbirds.  In this cross-curricular hummingbirds lesson, students listen to the book The Mystery of the Missing Hummingbirds and choose related topics to research with a partner. Students draw or...
Unit Plan
Project Food, Land & People

Loco for Cocoa

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students create a time line and map about how chocolate traveled the world. In this chocolate lesson plan, students also create and taste chocolate.
Lesson Plan
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Continents

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students investigate World Geography by researching the different continents. In this Asian Geography lesson, students discuss the continent of Pangaea and color a worksheet of the continents. Students locate China on the map worksheet...
Lesson Plan
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Holy Mole

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders explore the Mexican sauce Mole and the culture of Mexico.  In this Mexican culture instructional activity, 3rd graders find Mexico on the map and access prior knowledge about the country.  Students discuss Mexican...
Lesson Plan
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Basic Needs and Economic Sharing

For Teachers K
Students explain that some foods must be imported and some foods are exported from where they live. They also informally define economic sharing and explain why it is important.
Lesson Plan
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It's All in the Pattern

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Here is a fantastic, nine-page, multi-session lesson plan on the Zia Sun Symbol (found on the New Mexico state flag), and the seasons of the Earth. Everything you need to implement the lesson is here, and the many engaging activities are...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

All Things Chinese-- Building a Classroom Museum

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Learners explore China.  For this introduction to Chinese culture lesson, students bring in items or pictures from home that represent Chinese culture. Learners create a "Chinese museum" by putting these labeled items on display,...
Lesson Plan
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The Ghost Catcher

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders read the story The Ghost Cather and complete activities related to the book. For this language arts lesson plan, 2nd graders complete comprehension questions, art projects, and more.
Lesson Plan
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There's A Wasszoom in My Classroom

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
Learners read There's A Wocket in My Pocket by Dr. Seuss. They create a creature that rhymes with an item found in the classroom. They write a sentence about it and then illustrate it.
Lesson Plan
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Strawberry Girl: Life on the Frontier

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore geographic changes by researching the state of Florida. In this Florida history lesson, students identify the storms and disasters that have created sinkholes in portions of Florida. Students read the book Strawberry...
Unit Plan
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Story Stretching: Tall Tales in North America

For Teachers K
Students are introduced to tall tales. In this introductory tall tales unit, students explore the tall tales of Casey Jones and Johnny Appleseed. This unit includes many interdisciplinary lessons including graphing skills and geography.