Space Awareness
Navigating with the Kamal
Historians have proven that as early as 1497 skilled navigators were using a kamal to sail across oceans. Scholars learn about navigation tools and astronomy before building their own kamals. They then learn how to use it to determine...
Curated OER
The Seven Continents Scavenger Hunt
Who doesn't enjoy an engaging scavenger hunt? Here, scholars listen to, and discuss, the informative text, Where is my Continent? by Robin Nelson. They then explore the seven continents and four major oceans using...
Curated OER
1492: Using Data to Explain a Journey
Students examine how Christopher Columbus made his way across the Atlantic. In this data lesson students use an Internet program to navigate like Columbus.
Curated OER
Lost Liners Scavenger Hunt
Young scholars practice research skills by scouring Internet for facts and information about the lost ocean liners Titanic, Lusitania, and Empress of Ireland.
Curated OER
The Climate Change Skeptic's Argument: Natural Solar Cycles or Human Activity?
Teachers explore patterns in sunspots and total solar irradiance to understand the counterpoint to the human effect of global warming. In this professional development tool, teachers work through a lesson plan on the sun's natural...
Curated OER
Water: Where in the Watershed?
Students become connected to their watershed by exploring a local water body and mapping its features. They focus on how the local watershed fits into the larger scheme of the watershed.
Curated OER
Under the Blood-Red Sun
Fifth graders explore U.S. history by reading an award winning book about World War II. In this Japanese internment camp lesson, 5th graders read the book Under the Blood-Red Sun and discuss the entrapment of Japanese-Americans on our...
Curated OER
Mystery Mollusc
Students investigate the different regions of our oceans by researching the Internet. For this oceanography lesson, students discover the different jobs related to ocean research and examine their roles by reading related...
Curated OER
Uncharted Territory
Students examine what were preconceived perceptions of the areas Lewis and Clark explored. They compare and contrast past and modern maps of North America. They accurately place route and site information on the map.
Curated OER
COLONIAL FLYERS/TRAVEL BROCHURES TO THE COLONIES
Pupils investigate concepts of history and geography in this lesson plan. They create travel brochures for travelers who are crossing the Atlantic Ocean to populate the colonies of early America. The brochure has topographical...
Curated OER
What is Climate?
Students explore the differences between climate and weather. In this introductory instructional activity of a climate unit, students discuss the vocabulary and concepts associated with weather and climate. They build their information...
Curated OER
Arts of Asia in Reach
Students explore the traditions and celebrations of another culture and research a city or community in Japan. They then examine traditional Japanese music as well as practice several dance steps and discover their significance in...
Curated OER
Mound Cities
Pupils learn about Mound Cities and how they both started and stopped. In this Mound instructional activity students explore how Mound Cities did not succeed and why. Pupils dig deeper then the instructional activity as they discuss...
Montana State University
What's the Weather?
How many jackets do you need to stay warm and climb Mount Everest? An informatie resource covers the topic of Mount Everest, the resource helps young scientists discover the difference between climate and weather. Activities include...
Scholastic
Perfect Postcards: California
It's time to hear about some adventures in travel! The Transcontinental Railroad changed life and travel in the United States during the 1800s. Practicing online research skills, pupils discover the features they would like to visit on...
Curated OER
Go West With Lewis and Clark! Scavenger Hunt
In this Lewis and Clark scavenger hunt activity, students participate in an Internet scavenger hunt to answer five questions regarding the Lewis and Clark expedition.
Curated OER
Panama Canal
Students investigate a way to sail a boat around the world without touching land while learning about the Panama Canal. In this Panama Canal lesson plan, students learn about the relationship of socio-political continents and how the...
Curated OER
Uchiwa Lesson Plan
Students view images from Japan's Summer Festival celebration. They create a uchiwa fan to use while doing the Kuma River Dance.
Mariners' Museum and Park
Mariners' Museum: Age of Exploration: Tools of Navigation
Sailors improved on many of the tools used in navigation to help them in their long journeys across an ocean. On this site from the Mariners' Museum, find many of these tools, perhaps in use already in the 15th century, but made even...
Pamela Seed
Rice: Latitude: The Art and Science of 15th Century Navigation
This is a great site to read about how navigation began in Europe and what tools were used. Make sure to read the segments on coastal navigation, maps, and ocean currents.