Curated OER
Estimating the Mean State Area
Seventh grade statisticians randomly select five states and then determine the mean area. The class then works together to create a dot plot of their results.
Curated OER
Working With Electronic Topography Maps
Junior geologists examine topographic maps online and learn how to read them. they answer seven associated follow-up questions. This lesson plan is only a general outline and does not provide the details or the websites that you would...
Curated OER
The Crash Scene
Fifth graders explore geography by participating in a mapping activity. In this engineering instructional activity, 5th graders identify the differences between latitude and longitude and practice locating precise points on a globe or...
Mathematics Assessment Project
Discovering the Pythagorean Theorem
Young mathematicians join the ancient order of the Pythagoreans by completing an assessment task that asks them to find the area of tilted squares on dot paper. They then look at patterns in the squares to develop the Pythagorean Theorem.
Curated OER
Reading distance on maps
Eighth graders complete worksheets on reading the distance on maps in miles or kilometers. In this maps lesson plan, 8th graders use a calculator and ruler.
Curated OER
Topographic Map Unit Plan
Students examine topographic maps and discover how to decipher contour intervals, use contour lines and apply information to complete a topographic map lab. Working in groups, they identify the scale of the map, latitude and longitude,...
Curated OER
Creating a 3d Model and Corresponding Topographic Map
Students create a landform model and topographic map. In this topography lesson, students use a real landform to create a model and topographic map to scale.
Curated OER
Project Whistlestop:Missouri Vacation Learning Unit
Fourth graders reserach the state of Missouri. In this Missouri History lesson, 4th graders plan a vacation to a region of Missouri. Students work in collaborative groups to determine all aspects of the trip. Students use math skills for...
Discovery Education
Sonar & Echolocation
A well-designed, comprehensive, and attractive slide show supports direct instruction on how sonar and echolocation work. Contained within the slides are links to interactive websites and instructions for using apps on a mobile device to...
Mathematics Assessment Project
Optimizing Coverage: Security Cameras
Are you being watched? Class members determine where to place security cameras protecting a shop. They then evaluate their own and several provided solutions.
Curated OER
Searching the Attic
Students investigate an attic or basement to "discover" family artifacts. They develop a grid map using string, create a naming system for the grid, and analyze items of interest.
Curated OER
Park Problems
Students calculate park acreage and map the distribution of parks in Austin, TX using GIS. Students use a specific website to find the information.
Curated OER
Activity 2: Disappearing Drainage - the Incredible Shrinking Everglades Watershed
Learners examine drastic changes in Florida Everglades watershed, compare and contrast two watershed maps, discuss effects of addition of agriculture, loss of wetlands, and introduction of Water Conservation Areas, and predict condition...
Curated OER
Orienteering: Welcome to the Jungle
Students work together in groups to complete a treasure hunt. Using the school grounds, they search for pictures and stuffed animals of different species. They use a GPS to locate them and record which habitat they live. They calculate...
Curated OER
Exploring the Hudson in 1609
Learners follow the journey of Henry Hudson down the river with his name. Using journal entries and maps, they learn about its exploration. They use maps to identify stages of the journey, and practice converting distances into miles.
Curated OER
Exploring and Oregon Commodity
A fun (and delicious!) lesson teaches measurement to your third graders. They work in small groups to first predict, then to measure the weight, circumference, and number of seeds found in a watermelon. Everyone gets to eat watermelon...
Curated OER
Route Reconstruction
Students trace sailing route of Spanish and Portuguese exploration ships. They calculate and compare distances that different explorers traveled. Students calculate how long it would take to travel an explorer's route using different...
Curated OER
Marine Biology Field Trips
Students visit a Marine Biology study area 2-3 times and write a report after the last visit. They participate in the Marine Biology field trips working with lab partners. They complete data sheets to write their primitive environmental...
Curated OER
You be the Tour Guide
Middle schoolers research the natural features and wildlife of Arizona and Utah. They draw a map of the region that includes rivers, towns, mountains and roads. They work together to create a travel brochure of the area.
Curated OER
Where Am I?
Students identify the latitude and longitude of various locations and calculate the distance between two given coordinate points. They read an eBook, explore the City Zen program, and complete a worksheet.
Curated OER
Estimating Distances
Students investigate distance measurement. In this middle school mathematics lesson plan, students find the average length of their pace and use their pace to measure various unknown distances in feet and miles. Students relate their...
Curated OER
A Look at the Population Density of the United States
Students acquire census information and create maps of the population density of the United States on different scales. They role play the roles of workers of a retail company and they use the population data to market to their customers.
Curated OER
Distance Formula
Students create ways to find the number of square miles that lie in a triangle having vertices at A, B, and C. They compute the distance between two points and use Heron's formula to find the area of the triangle. Finally, students...
Curated OER
Size Small School
Students explore the concept of scale and ratio. In this scale and ratio instructional activity, students work in groups to measure a given space such as a hallway, office, or gym. Students measure their area using a meter stick. ...