Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Where Should We Land?

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students discuss the difference between major landforms as a class. In groups, they rate the landforms based on the needs of the community that wish to settle there. They also discuss the push and pull factors of the colonists that made...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Where in the World is Utah Wheat?

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Students examine the role of climate and landforms in the use of Utah's land. In this geography lesson, students analyze the relationship between geography and agriculture in the state as they examine data regarding wheat production in...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rain Shadows and Sea Breezes

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students plot the average rainfall for a variety of cities in the United States. Using the map, they work together to determine patterns on which toxicants are transported through the air. They determine the impacts of various weather...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Layer By Layer

For Teachers 5th
Have your class learn about the formation of the Grand Canyon using this lesson. After listening to a variety of stories about the Grand Canyon and erosion, learners complete worksheets related to the geology of this area. What a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Oregon Trail Landforms

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders explore landforms located along the Oregon Trail. They discuss the significance of the Oregon Trail, identify visual landforms, and explain the definition of each one. Students complete worksheets, color, and label maps.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cookie Topography

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students construct a cross section diagram showing elevation changes on a "cookie island." Using a chocolate chip cookie for an island, they locate the highest point in centimeters on the cookie and create a scale in feet. After tracing...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

War of 1812

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders locate the major land forms and bodies of water on a map of Louisiana. In groups, they discuss the role of the Mississippi River in the Battle of New Orleans and how land and water affect the outcome of battles. To end...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Point Me to Puerto Rico

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students research the physical features and geography of Puerto Rico as well as locate it on a world map and identify its major characteristics. Pictures and postcards are shown to each class for a visual connection to Puerto Rico as...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Natural Resources

For Teachers K - 12th
Learners 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...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What is the connection between rice and estimation?

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders investigate estimating. In this estimating instructional activity, 6th graders estimate how much rice is eaten around the world. Students estimate the percentages of rice eaten by other countries. Students compare rice...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Where, Oh Where

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
Students use maps to explore several traditional regions of Native Americans. They research information on the regions' climate, resources, landforms, flora and fauna.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Advertise With Geography...it's Free And It's Easy!!

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Learners establish awareness of how landforms/landmarks produce a visual image of a region and demonstrate how advertisers use the "positive geographical image" to sell their product by creating their own advertisements.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Crater Creation

For Teachers K - 1st
Students examine the Oregon state quarter and discuss how Crater Lake was formed-geologically and according to Native American legend. They practice making predictions and identifying the beginning, middle, and end of a story.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

History of Colorado-Migration to the West

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders identify reasons for people moving to the Colorado Territory and examine how moving in the 1800's is different than moving today. They also practice reading maps and gathering information from maps, as well as, describe...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mississippi Gulf Coast Islands

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders complete a variety of exercises as they study the creation, history, and geography of the Mississippi coastal islands. They discover the natuaral forces that act on the islands and how these forces affect the habitats and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Decision Making, Take a Seat or Get off the Bus

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders explore the positive and negative consequences of choosing to fight against discrimination. They read the story of Rosa Parks. Students discuss the movement against segregation. Students read other books about...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Crater Creation

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
After looking at the back of a quarter featuring Oregon terrain, learners distinguish between fiction and non-fiction and identify the beginning, middle and end of a story. First, they listen to legends that describe the creation of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Silk Road, An Ancient Internet

For Teachers 6th - 10th
Pupils examine how goods and ideas moved along an ancient trade route between China and Europe. They make charts of items, ideas, etc. that were transported along the Silk Route.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Canada: A Land Rich in Beauty and Culture

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders in groups research the different regions of Canada. They create a timeline to put the major events of Canada's history in order.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Building Bridges for Young Learners- School

For Teachers K - 5th
Students examine the purpose of education.  For this schooling lesson, students read a letter from a child in Uzbekistan. Students compare and contrast their schooling to children around the world.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Diary of a Worm Secret Agents

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders explore the geography of Washington D.C. and President Bush's hometown of Crawford, Texas. They read the book, Diary of a Worm, determine the best route to go to Texas from Washington D.C., and throw a birthday party for...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Australia: the Land Down Under

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Young scholars give a solid history and geographic explanation of the country of Australia and explain why it is important. They use some creativity in designing their own island, by using the physical features of this particular country.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Climate Systems - Which Location Is Best For Me?

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students study the difference between weather and climate.  In this climate systems lesson plan students search the Internet for the parts of the Earth's system, gather climate data and complete a challenge scenario. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

European Explorers of North and South America

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders explore the connection between the geography of America and the migration of the Native Americans to the American continents to the future conquering of the continents by the Europeans. They discuss the causes and effects...