A virtual field trip takes enthusiastic travelers to the pyramids of Giza. Using Google, scholars explore the grounds of the ancient pyramids found in Egypt then complete three worksheets: a photo analysis page, a reflection sheet, and a...

Learners compare and contrast communities.They explore factors that influence how people live, the roles of adults and children, and the interaction of people who live and work within a community. The lesson focuses on the country of...

Here is an activity that merges technology with life skills as individuals use Google Earth to explore the differences between coordinate systems and map projections. The self-guided activity is the fourth segment in a nine-part unit....

Family traditions are the focus of a lesson that explores the lives of children in India and those in your classroom. Scholars examine their own family roles and traditions, then respond to an informative text detailing a young...

What is a community? Find out with a lesson that sheds light onto the different types of communities—school, local, and global. Scholars read informational text detailing the life of a young girl from Cape Verde and take part in a...

There is no better way to learn about a subject than with a hands on project. Middle schoolers design and create a product that meets the needs of fictitious clients. They view a PowerPoint, consider how the Western marketing style is...

Learners examine the use of topographic maps as two dimensional representations that show elevations and slopes with contour lines. They read maps of the Salt Lake City, Utah area and complete the associated worksheets that show map...

High schoolers attempt to understand seasonal variation by viewing images of the energy received by the earth. In this weather lesson, students view images from NASA of the influx of energy from the sun and make predictions about...

Students review, compare, and contrast belief systems of the Silk Roads. They analyze primary texts of sacred and philosophical writings. Finally, students recognize the rich diversity of belief systems along the Silk Roads.

Students research the journey west of 19th century emigrants. In this pioneer lesson, students read the letters and diaries of a fictitious family traveling on the Oregon Trail. They mark their route on a US map, create a chart showing...

Students are read a story about Alejandro and how he builds an oasis to attract animals. Using the text, they discover the needs of the animal not only for water but for safety. They discuss different environmental issues as well as...

Read the story Make Way for Ducklings and introduce little ones to the five themes of geography. Reread the story, while displaying transparencies to reinforce the five themes. In groups, learners view pictures and identify the themes on...

Learners explore river routes. In this social studies lesson, students trace the route of a river from its source and discuss the Continental Divide. Learners draw the route the river takes and name the states it flows through. Students...

Students draw animals and plants that are described to them as they read passages of people who traveled across the Gila Trail in the Southwest. In this Gila Trail lesson plan, students also write a letter describing a plant or animal in...

Second graders compare and contrast historical American cultures.  In this American history lesson, 2nd graders participate in reading, writing, oral, and hands on activities. Students discuss the similarities and differences...

Students analyze Columbus' rationale for sailing west, and find the latitude and longitude of modern and ancient place names.

Students interact with MapPoint tools to view maps of the past and the present in multiple ways. They participate in mini-lessons aimed at locating certain points of interest or famous routes taken in history.

Students work in small groups to identify some of the major transportation centers, recommending two as possible sites for a national political convention, based on population density and the travel networks available in 1835.

Learners examine the toll taken on New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina. In this current events lesson, students visit selected websites to discover details about the geography of the city and the hurricane itself. 

Students read about the history and locate dams in Arizona. In this Arizona dams lesson plan, students write a summary about what they read focusing on word choice, ideas, conventions, and geography content.

Learners work together to create a cruise package to Indonesia. They collaborate on a travel brochure and coordinate daily activities for fictitious travelers to discover the diversity among the islands that make up Indonesia.

Third graders are introduced to various Chinese ethnic groups. They consider how geography affects ethnic groups and examine artifacts produced by Chinese peoples. They prepare a presentation of their research and artifact interpretation.

Middle school classes describe the White Mountains in New Hampshire using the five themes of geography. They discuss the five themes, categorize objects into each, and develop a list of words to describe the White Mountains. This lesson...

Students view a variety of pictures from September 11, 2001 either online or a slideshow. They discuss how the pictures make them feel and then complete a KWL chart highlighting what they already know about 9/11, and what they would like...