Curated OER
Modified Orienteering
Pupils participate in activities using compass settings. They find north and notate the bearings of objects that have been set up in the school yard. They find marks that both visible and hidden behind and under things like trees, and...
Curated OER
How Worldly Are You?
Sixth graders locate and map six components to have a working knowledge of maps. In this map skills lesson, 6th graders define the six map components and work in groups to draw a map using the components. Students read a related story...
Curated OER
Native Americans and Topography at Rose Bay
Students visit a wetland ecosystem. While they are there, students explore how to read topography maps of Rose Bay.
Curated OER
Measure Up!
Students examine parallax and angular measurements. In this investigative lesson students calculate distances of objects and map their results.
Curated OER
TE Activity: Northward Ho!
Students design a simple compass. They examine how the Earth's magnetic field has both horizontal and vertical components. They determine how a compass works and work with cardinal directions.
Smithsonian Institution
Harvest Ceremony: Beyond the Thanksgiving Myth
There is a grain of truth in myths. Young historians investigate the truths surrounding the popular beliefs about the First Thanksgiving in Plymouth, Massachusetts. After reading the information in a study guide, they use what they...
Curated OER
Lesson Plan on Latitude and Longitude
Sixth graders identify at least ten places on the world map using given longitude and latitude points. They identify the longitude and latitude of ten places on the world map.
Curated OER
Getting Comfortable with the Internet & Geography
Students are introduced to the basic characteristics of Geography. Using maps, they practice identifying locations and other landmarks. They use the internet to explore websites with are geographically oriented.
Curated OER
Steamers Lesson 1: Routes
Students are introduced to the useage of steamboats in North Carolina. In groups, they research the routes of steamers and discover how they were used. They draw an illustrated map and a timeline of the routes. As a class, they...
Curated OER
Steamers Lesson 1: Background Information
Learners discover the use of steamboats in North Carolina. After reading background information, they take notes on their reading and participate in a class discussion. They complete a KWL chart and share what they have gathered in small...
Curated OER
Juana Maria, the Real Lost Woman of San Nicolas Island
Students view a museum exhibit on Juana Maria. As a class, they describe the difference between real and fictional people and the difference between history and historical fiction. Using a map, they locate San Nicholas Island and...
Computer Science Unplugged
Tourist Town—Dominating Sets
As an introduction to using a network to determine the fewest number of nodes that meet a given condition, small groups work together to determine the fewest number of ice cream vans, and their locations, to be able to serve the people...
Curated OER
Second Class Rank: merit badge
In this second class rank instructional activity, learners fill out short answer questions using their workbook about compasses, safety, protection, swimming, and more in order to get a merit badge. Students complete 13 questions total.
Exploratorium
Building Three-Dimensional Structures
Are you looking for a good 3-D geometry lesson that includes hands-on activities for your middle schoolers? Look no further than this one! Pupils use centimeter grid paper embedded in the plan, along with detailed construction...
Calvin Crest Outdoor School
Survival
Equip young campers with important survival knowledge with a set of engaging lessons. Teammates work together to complete three outdoor activities, which include building a shelter, starting a campfire, and finding directions in the...
Curated OER
True North, Magnetic North
Students explain why compass angles need to be corrected for regional magnetic variation. They observe the difference between magnetic and true north. Each student measures the angle of variation for a town in a different state.
Curated OER
Why Vote? A Public Awareness Campaign
Students examine the structure of local government and determine why citizens vote. In this civics instructional activity, students listen to a lecture about the structure of local government and then encourage others to exercise their...
Curated OER
The Monarch Butterfly Watch
Students explore monarch migration through the Journey North web site. In this butterfly lesson plan, students use the internet to identify a butterfly's migration pattern. Students write in electronic journals.
Curated OER
Postcards from Somewhere
Students correspond with e-pals about their community. In this cross curriculum geography, technology, and literacy lesson, students complete a postcard webquest about their home location including local photographs. Students e-mail...
Curated OER
Cities as Transportation Centers
Middle schoolers 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.
Curated OER
Tables, Charts and Graphs
Students examine a science journal to develop an understanding of graphs in science. In this data analysis lesson, students read an article from the Natural Inquirer and discuss the meaning of the included graph. Students create a...
Curated OER
Landmarks Over Time
Students compare/contrast bird's-eye views of Texas cities in the 1800s to those in the 2000s through the identification of landmarks. They write a summary of how one selected city has changed over time.
Curated OER
Science: Reading a Compass
Students demonstrate how to take bearings using a compass. In pairs, they select objects in the classroom then write down its first initial and bearing. They exchange papers and try to disciver their partner's object.
Curated OER
Design-A-Room Project (Part 3 of 3)
Learners culminate a unit on measurement with a focus on area and perimeter. They design a floor plan of their dream room on graph paper showing the proper area and perimeter. They plan the budget for their room and make a 3-D scale...