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Curated OER

Combining Geography and Literature by Mapping a Story

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students listen to or read a story on their own. Using the text, they describe the relative locations of the main events. In groups, they develop two and three dimensional maps of the story. They create a key and a title for their map.
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Our Way of Life

For Teachers K - 12th
Learners interview Native American Elders about animal migration, traditional food gathering, and subsistence. They research endangered animals, draw a game cycle, and create maps of local migration of animals.
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Afghanistan and The Breadwinner

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Young scholars examine the use of the Hindu Kush mountains by explorers and traders. Using Afghanistan as an example, they research how different events can effect human settlerment patterns. They discuss how the physical...
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U.S. History: What Happened Here?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students apply the global positioning system to create maps of local historical sites. By collaborating with local historical groups, they research events and relate them to broader, national history. In addition to writing essays...
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Overland Trails To The West

For Teachers 5th
Consider the political, physical, and geographical factors that led to and marked the Westward Expansion. Learners will track the various routes developed during the 1800's. They create a first person journal describing what they see,...
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Where is Everybody?

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Young scholars collect data from different grade levels at their school and develop thematic maps which show population density, and determine how this might affect the school and themselves in the future.
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Salt: White Gold

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine the importance of salt for trade routes and the economy of a community.
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Aboriginal Societies of Canada

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders study Aboriginal Societies in Canada and do an oral presentation to the class.
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Following the North Star

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Young scholars give examples of the impacts of science and technology on the migration and settlement patterns of various groups. They draw stars explaining how the North Star was used to give directions on the Underground Railroad.
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Site and Situation: Right Place at the Right Time

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students put their geography skills to work. In this geography skills activity, students research maps and other primary and secondary sources to simulate the site selection process for the Pennsylvania Railroad Shops post World War II....
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Create a City: An Urban Planning Exercise

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore the effects of population growth in Arizona.  In this history lesson, students work in small groups to create a "perfect" city. Activities include examining the Arizona census results then discussing the importance...
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Exploring Canadian Cities - a Day To Remember

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students research information on the geographical features, climate, and cultural activities of a Canadian city. They plan a day in the city with a schedule of activities. They synthesize information and create a large poster about the...
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World War I

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders examine the condition of the world from 1880 until the start of World War I. After watching a PowerPoint presentation, they discuss the causes and effects of the war and complete a study guide with a partner. To end the...
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No Escape

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Via four student handouts, marine biology learners examine the topography and circulation cell of the Fieberilng guyot. Then they examine the number of individual hydroids counted at each depth. Pupils use the information to relate water...
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Name That Place: Cultural Place Names in the United States

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine the origin of the people that settled in the United States.  In this United States History lesson, students work in small groups to complete several activities that explore early settlement, such as a worksheet, a...
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Language Arts: Mississippi River Brochure

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students create brochures about recreational activities along the Mississippi River. Focusing on points of interest, they research attractions and create maps of the surrounding area. Once students write descriptions of their...
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Becoming A Local Historian

For Teachers K - 4th
Students practice the art of being a historian. They compare primary and secondary resources to conduct a critical thinking assignment. Students compare the map of the Baton Rouge area to a modern one in order to make inferences about...
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Betrayal of Penn's Promise - The Walking Purchase

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Pupils role-play the 1737 Walking Purchase. In this Pennsylvania history lesson, students role-play the 1737 Walking Purchase and analyze its effects. Pupils also consider how it would affect their community today.
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Canada - US: Approaches to Immigration

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders explore the Canadian immigration experience through comparison and contrast to American immigration and settlement patterns. In this immigration patterns lesson plan, 6th graders dialogue their opinions regarding...
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The First North Americans

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers identify and interpret the different North American Indian groups, by region, and the type and impact of their interaction with Europeans. Then they complete an overview of one main Native American group during the age of...
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Push/Pull Factors and Welsh Emigration

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students view and discuss short sections of movies that relate to immigration. Working in groups, students create a map that shows directions of internal migration in their assigned geographical area. Students review ads/booklets created...
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Natural Resources

For Teachers K - 12th
Students explore Iowa geography and topographic maps. In this geography and topographic maps lesson, student investigate maps, newspapers, Iowa flora and fauna. Students gain an understanding of how different landforms can be identified...
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How Has Transportation Changed Since the 1899 Harriman Alaska Expedition?

For Teachers K
Students recognize modes of transportation. They research historical data from a variety of primary and secondary sources including the Harriman expedition journals, related web sites, and photographs from the expedition. Students...
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Signs in the Stitching

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students exercise their creativity by designing an original quilt and a written explanation of its meaning. They use primary sources to develop an understanding of Underground Railroad routes through Indiana.