Civil War Trust
Map the Civil War
Mapmaking was a very important element in successfully planning attacks on enemies during the Civil War. Guide pupils through the process of pacing to find the average length of their steps, measure the distance between one object to the...
Curated OER
Map Memory
Fifth graders, working in a whole class setting, label a United States map with the names of all the states that they know. They transfer the names of the states to an individual map and color it. Next, they receive directions on how to...
Curated OER
United States Map- Rivers
Students identify major rivers on a map of the United States. In this geography activity, students discuss what a river is and use a map marker to identify the symbol of a river on a map.
Curated OER
States and Capitals, Mountains and Rivers
Students identify geographical locations in the midwestern United States. In this geography instructional activity, students identify 12 states and capitals and geographical features in the region by using U.S. maps. Students use blank...
Curated OER
Mapping West Virginia
Fourth graders explore West Virginia. For this Unites States geography lesson, 4th graders discuss the type of land and the cities in West Virginia. Students create two overlays, with transparencies, that show the natural land and the...
Curated OER
The Gold Rush
Students identify the routes involved in the Gold Rush on a map. In this map skills lesson, students use a United States map to locate the routes used to travel to California during the Gold Rush. Students demonstrate how to use the map...
Curated OER
Naming the States of the U.S
Fifth graders study the 50 states on a map. In this social studies lesson, 5th graders identify the names of the states and location. Additionally, students work in small groups to name and locate as many states as they can on a blank map.
Curated OER
The 50 States
Fifth graders use maps and music to learn the 50 states. In this US Geography lesson plan, 5th graders map out a region of the United States and practice singing the song, The 50 States that Rhyme.
Curated OER
Water Features - Lesson 2 - U.S. Political Map Grade 4-5
Students locate water features on maps. In this geography lesson plan, students complete worksheets that require them to identify water features on a U. S. political map.
Curated OER
Map Keys
Third graders examine maps and map keys. In this locating map features instructional activity, 3rd graders use crayons, markers and colored pencils to label maps. Students work in partners to read map keys and locate given places and...
Curated OER
Mapmaker, Make Me a Map!
Students are introduced to the state quarter program and examine the Colorado state quarter. They locate Colorado on a map and create a map with a key. They discuss the state motto and examine pictures of the state's geographical features.
Curated OER
Globe Lesson 17 - Alaska and Hawaii - Grade 4-5
Young scholars develop their globe skills. In this geography skills instructional activity, students explore the area added to the United States when the Alaskan territory was purchased from Russia.
National Museum of the American Indian
The A:Shiwi (Zuni) People: A Study in Environment, Adaptation, and Agricultural Practices
Discover the connection of native peoples to their natural world, including cultural and agricultural practices, by studying the Zuni people of the American Southwest. This lesson includes examining a poster's photographs, reading...
Syracuse University
Erie Canal
While canals are not the way to travel today, in the first half of the nineteenth century, they were sometimes the best way to move goods and people. Scholars examine primary sources, including maps and pictures, to investigate the role...
Curated OER
Reading a Map
Third graders become familiar with the vocabulary and skills related to mapping. For this guided reading lesson, 3rd graders find proper nouns on from the map. Students read Goldilocks. Students make a map of their room.
Curated OER
Africa
Second graders explore Africa. They label the popular places in Africa on a map. Students label the different cities and monuments that are popular in Africa. They discuss the similarities and differences between cities in Africa and...
Curated OER
Landform Tag
Third graders explore various landforms. They play landform tag while exploring the various types of landforms that are found within the United States. Students locate landforms as they are called by the teacher.
Curated OER
Why Do Geese Fly South For the Winter?
Fifth graders examine migration by tracing animal migration routes on a map. In this animal life lesson, 5th graders observe a map of North America and read about the migration patterns of geese. Students trace the path most geese take...
Curated OER
A Coin Out of Water
Students examine the Michigan state quarter and identify land and water on the quarter. They locate the Great Lakes and other bodies of water on a map. They compare and contrast streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, and oceans.
Curated OER
Countries of South America
Middle schoolers focus on the geography of the countries of South America. Using a map, they identify the European countries who claimed the South American countries and research the influences they had on South America. To end the...
Curated OER
Michigan Food: From Farm to You
Young scholars recognize Michigan on a map and understand how its climate is affected by the Great Lakes. In this Michigan food lesson, students play a trivia game to identify the produce of Michigan. Young scholars relate the climate in...
Curated OER
Getting to the Point
Students determine location by using the technique of triangulation. They imagine that they are out in the wilderness and have come to the top of a ridge. How can one identify the ridge on the topo map? How can one figure out where you...
Curated OER
Where is the Water?
Learners explore freshwater ecosystems. In this geography lesson, students brainstorm all the lakes and rivers they know then mark them on a map. Learners will then mark all the major freshwater resources on each of the seven continents,...
Curated OER
Through Time: Change in Sedona
Learners locate events on a timeline of Sedona, Arizona and describe human and physical characteristics of the city. In this Sedona lesson plan, students locate the city on a map and listen to stories about Sedona.