Curated OER
Introducing Maps Through Dance
Young scholars 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.
Institute for Geophysics
Understanding Maps of Earth
Here is your go-to student resource on primary geography concepts, including facts about the surface of the earth and its hemispheres, latitude and longitude, globes, types of maps, and identifying continents and oceans.
Curated OER
Why All Maps Lie
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...
World Maps Online
Introduction to the World Map
Students identify the differences between maps and globes. In this map skills instructional activity, students are shown a globe and a map and recognize the differences. Students use post-it notes to locate several locations on the world...
Royal Geographical Society
An Introduction to Maps
First graders are introduced to a variety of maps such as globes, street maps, atlases, and different types of floor plans. The focus of the lesson requires individuals to create their own plan of the classroom using the PowerPoint...
Curated OER
Plotting a Hurricane Using Latitude and Longitude
Learners define and use "absolute location," latitude, and longitude. They locate on a map or globe the Earth's poles, circles, tropics, and beginning points of measurements for latitude and longitude.
Curated OER
Map Puzzles
Students make puzzles from world maps, dramatizing how much of the globe is covered by ocean.
Curated OER
Maps
Maps, globes, and computer software aid young explorers as they locate state capitols, major cities, geographic features, and attractions for states they are researching. They then use desktop publishing software to create a map to share...
Curated OER
Globe Game
Students are arranged into groups and are given a map or globe. Students select a location on the map. Students as yes and no questions to guess the specific place that was chosen.
Curated OER
Math with Maps and Globes
Students round out their math skills with these ‘round the world' ideas. In this math and geography activity, students try out time zone sticks, a polar race, and tic-tac-globe to engage them in learning more about globes and the...
Curated OER
Learning to Read a Map
First graders identify the map and globe symbols: Cardinal Directions; Compass Rose; Mountains; Rivers; Lakes; Towns; Roads.
Curated OER
Those Who Have Come Before Me
Class members are transformed into explorers as they work in groups to locate hidden items and map their journey along the way. They then leave clues for other groups of students to follow, and ultimately discover how past explorations...
Curated OER
Where Am I? Navigating Around the Globe
Third graders review spatial sense learned in grades one and two. They measure distances using map scales. They use atlases, and on-line sources to find geographical information.
Curated OER
Mapping the News
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 current...
Curated OER
As the Kids Come and Go: Mapping a Classroom
Map the classroom with your kids to help them understand how maps work and how to read them. The activity starts off with a story about animals living and moving around the globe, and then kids create maps of their classroom to show how...
Curated OER
Some Things You Need to Know to Read a Map
Young scholars study things the you need to know to read a map and explain location.
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
Using MY NASA DATA to Determine Volcanic Activity
Students explore how aerosols are used in science to indicate volcanic activity and how biomass burning affects global aerosol activity. Students access data and import into MS Excel using graphical data to make inferences and draw...
Curated OER
"Yarning" About Latitude and Longitude
Students identify various locations using latitude and longitude. In this map skills lesson, students use yarn and labels to create a "human globe." Students identify the Prime Meridian, the Equator, and Northern and Southern Hemisphere.
Curated OER
Globe Skills Lesson 8 Dust Bowl Travelers
Students develop their globe and map skills, In this geography lesson plan, students examine the Dust Bowl as they complete an activity that requires them to plot latitude and longitude.
Curated OER
Globe Lesson 4 - Intermediate Directions
Students explore the concept of intermediate directions. In this geography skills lesson, students use map skills in order to identify intermediate directions as they complete a map activity.
Curated OER
Globe Skills Lesson 3 Voyage to the New World
Young scholars explore the globe. In this globe skills lesson, students use their knowledge of latitude and longitude to respond to questions regarding Christopher Columbus's maiden voyage to the Americas.
Curated OER
Globe Skills Lesson 10 Apollo 11
Students develop their globe skills. In this geography skills instructional activity, students use a globe and a softball to replicate distance between the earth and its moon.
Curated OER
Globe Skills Lesson 11The Vietnam War
Learners develop their globe and map skills, In this geography lesson, students examine the Vietnam War as they complete an activity that requires them to plot latitude and longitude.