Population Connection
The Human-Made Landscape
Agriculture, deforestation, and urbanization. How have human's changed the planet and how might we mitigate the effects of human activity on the planet? To answer these questions class members research the changes in human land use from...
Curated OER
Exploring our National Parks
Students utilize maps/Atlases to find key spatial information, locate U.S. National Parks, characterize the geography of a specific region, and create a National Park brochure.
Deliberating in a Democracy
Globalization and Fair Trade
Have you ever traded something? How do you know you got a good deal? Scholars use case studies and research to determine the role of globalization in fair trade. Class members examine consumer demand and competition bring to light the...
Curated OER
Lesson Plan for Cricket's Supper
Interested in a special folktale to read with your class? Then this lesson might be for you. Readers will build an understanding of the food chain while creating a storyboard that includes the characters, setting, and plot of the story....
C-SPAN
The Electoral College and the Constitution
What is the purpose of the Electoral College? Is it antiquated, or does it have a place in today's political climate? High schoolers view a series of video clips as they analyze the parts of the United States Constitution that address...
Civil War Trust
Creating a Historic Site
A historic site marks a place where a relevant historical event occurred, no matter how many people know about it. Small groups choose their own historical sites, including a place where a class member was born, or even a...
National Endowment for the Humanities
The New Order for "Greater East Asia"
Sometimes the New Order becomes synonymous with its implications for European countries, but what about its consequences for East Asia? The final instructional activity in a four-part series teaches scholars about World War II. High...
Curated OER
The Aztecs - Mighty Warriors of Mexico
Upper elementary learners identify the Aztecs as the builders of a great city and rich civilization in what is now Mexico. They locate the Aztec Empire and its capital on a map and place the Aztecs in the chronology of American history....
Curated OER
Mapping My World
First graders make two maps. In this developing and reading maps activity, 1st graders read Mapping Penny's World, discuss the parts of a map, create a map of their classroom, and create a list of directions of how to get to various...
Curated OER
Map It!
Fourth graders demonstrate map making skills by using the computer to create maps of the geographic features, regions, and economy for their state.
Curated OER
A Map Mystery
Second graders solve a map mystery. In this technology lesson plan, 2nd graders develop an awareness of maps and the symbols associated with maps as they the "Neighborhood Map Machine."
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Fairy Tale Maps
Students study direction as they listen to the stories of Little Red Riding Hood and The Jolly Postman. In this cardinal direction lesson, learners create a map to show the path Little Red Riding Hood took in the story and label the path...
Curated OER
Mapping the Census
Students learn why the census makes a difference. In this U.S. Census lesson plan, students learn the key elements of cartography, examine the difference between data and their representation, and create a map using census data.
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United States Map- Map Legend/City Symbols
Students investigate the United States map. In this map skills geography lesson, students explore city symbols on the map legend and identify them. Students use post-it notes to mark various symbols.
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Waldseemüller’s Map: World 1507
Students take a closer look at historical maps. In this primary source analysis instructional activity, students examine the first world map produced by Martin Waldseemuller. Students complete the included map analysis worksheet and then...
Curated OER
Mapping Our Home
Students explore how communities participate in census counting. In this census lesson, students recognize the absolute and relative location of a state and understand ideas about civic life and government.
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Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad
Students examine the work of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad. In this Social Studies lesson, students use a true/false handout and worksheet to explore an Internet site about the Underground Railroad and its heroes. Students...
Curated OER
"The Big Lie" Response Journal
Eighth graders utilize a variety of reading and writing skills in completing social studies activities on "The Big Lie." students express their understanding of right and wrong actions based on the characters through a personal response...
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Water Features - Lesson 2 - U.S. Political Map Grade 4-5
Students locate water features on maps. In this geography lesson, students complete worksheets that require them to identify water features on a U. S. political map.
Curated OER
My Secret War: Lesson 3
Fifth graders read My Secret War. In this social studies lesson, 5th graders discuss how United States citizens worked together to ensure success in the war. Students discuss primary and secondary sources. Students paraphrase.
Curated OER
Mapping the Prairie
Fifth graders study maps of the Chicago area looking at defining characteristics and place names. They investigate settlement patterns by looking at the maps.
Curated OER
The Map Cartouche
Students discuss the history and purpose of cartouches. They examine examples of cartouches and design an original example with symbols of their choosing.
Curated OER
Lesson 1 Activity 2: A Place in Time
Students select place to study, note how it has changed over time, and create and illustrate a timeline.
