Students explore the different kinds of maps and the purpose of each.  In this Geography lesson, students work in small groups to create a map which includes the use of a map key.

Students participate in a simulation of life on a deserted island. They work with their group to develop an island survival plan and summarize it in a journal. Students use a worksheet and challenge cards to earn points. They will be...

Students use information from Internet websites to create a map of where Bald Eagle habitats can be found after being familiarized with the map by the instructor.

Third graders make a grid map. In this directionality lesson, 3rd graders review how to use a grid to locate objects or places on a map. Students draw a grid map of the classroom and locate seating assignments. Students create a grid of...

Students use topographical maps students explain the challenges involved in building the railroad in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Students use maps and diagrams to examine the Oregon Trail. In groups, they create their own poster of the trail showing the different types of artifacts found along the way. To end the instructional activity, they identify the sources...

Learners solve time zone problems and chart travel around the world.  In this time zone lesson, students learn about the history of time zones and view a time zone map.  Learners use the time zone map to solve time zone...

Students analyze data from the 2000 census to learn how the census works. In this civics lesson, students read a story to find out about the census, then use a map and census data to analyze changes. Lesson includes related resources...

Learners use a map to learn about where chocolate comes from. In this lesson on the cacao tree, students locate various regions where the cacao tree grows. They will discuss why the cacao tree grows more favorably in particular climates...

Second graders complete two graphic organizers after listening to a story. In this story map and beginning/ending graphic organizer lesson plan, 2nd graders listen to Picky Mrs. Pickle. They complete the two graphic organizers telling...

Learners create a character map of the main characters in The Tale of Despereaux. After reading the text, students create a character chart based on information they gleaned from the story. They use this information to write a letter...

Students explore reasons for varied salinity in bodies of water. In this geographical inquiry lesson plan, students use a variety of visual and written information including maps, data tables, and graphs, to form a hypothesis as to why...

Fifth graders use the Internet to research a topic.  In this expeditions lesson, 5th graders answer questions about Lewis and Clark based on the movie they watched previously, use the Internet to research Lewis and Clark, write a...

Students locate and place countries and continents on a large map using tag board and yarn. They locate a new geographic location on the map each morning.

In this story elements map worksheet, students use the blank graphic organizer to plan a story they will write. Students will write a story that takes place in the country they choose to study. Students think of the setting, characters,...

Young scholars create a thinking web about Mars.  In this exploratory lesson students pretend they are going to Mars and use a worksheet to answer questions about why they would visit and what they would bring. 

Sometimes the best view is from the farthest distance. Satellite imaging makes it possible to create altitude maps from far above the earth. A three-part activity has your young scientists play the role of the satellite and then use...

Analyze a fictional text with a four-page packet that explores a story's main character and moral, challenges scholars to ask and answer questions about the text, and to create a story map. 

Take young scientists into the depths of the world's ocean with the second activity of this three-part earth science series. After first drawing pictures representing how they imagine the bottom of the ocean to appear, students...

Are planes the best shipping method? Using maps, pupils determine the fastest mode of transportation between two cities. Given a list of items to ship, groups decide the best shipping method to finish the 18th segment of a 22-part unit.

Pair your reading of Farmer McPeepers and His Missing Milk Cows with the questions and activities provided here. Learners answer questions about the text, create story maps, put together brochures, relate math to the story, practice...

Turn readers into investigative journalists. The 11th and final lesson that accompanies The Twits by Roald Dahl asks the question "What happened to Mr. and Mrs. Twit?" The lesson uses mind maps and group discussion to help answer...

Dive into animation creation using Dreamworks® animated films. Compare and contrast characters, wonder and ponder why the plot is so important, and think of background and themes as your creativity unrolls onto paper.

Reading snail mail is a great way to go back into history and to understand others' points of view. The resource, the second in a five-part unit, covers the Dreyfus Affair. Scholars, working in two different groups, read one letter and...