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Discovering New Mexico
Seventh graders discuss the elements of maps and using basic linear measurement. They calculate the distance between the cities and create a simulated journey around New Mexico using a road map. They write out the directions for their...
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Chihauhan Desert Journaling Activity
Students explore U.S. geography by completing an observational activity with classmates. In this New Mexico lesson, students research the Chihuahuan Desert by visiting several Internet sites. Students write the data they've collected in...
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Traveling Through Literature
Integrate geography with literature in this interdisciplinary lesson. Begin by reading a poem such as The Time We Climbed Snake Mountain by Leslie Marmon Silko. On a large map, place push pins in the cities or states mentioned. An...
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Colonies and Revolution: Comparing US and Mexican History
Students examine the emergence of the United States and Mexico as independent nations. They compare the colonial history of the two countries and discover the emergence of social classes.
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Let's Play Geography Twister
Students practice geography skills by playing a game based on Twister. Students manipulate their position on a map by placing their arms and legs on the appropriate state or country called out by the teacher.
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The Influence of Physical Geography
Pupils explore the limits and demands of their physical world and how it relates to the survival and well-being of people.
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The Day the Water Ran Out
Young scholars explore ecosystems by researching desert characteristics. In this drought instructional activity, students identify the potential impacts of a drought on their home state and interview people who are familiar with water...
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Where is Mesoamerica?
Students create a map of Mesoamerica using construction paper, clay or by drawing it. In this World Geography activity, students determine the location of Mesoamerica, make a map, then present their map to their class.
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...
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Create a World
Young scholars combine imaginative powers with known map-making techniques to create a whole new world.
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A Tough Nut to Crack
Children, based on a set of criteria, evaluate the quality of pecans. They research recorded history of pecan trees as well as how their seeds moved across western Missouri into southeastern Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Mexico. In...
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The Battle of Glorieta Pass: A Shattered Dream
This lesson can be used in American history, social studies, and geography courses in units on westward expansion and the Civil War.
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Mexican and American Views of Texas
Students study the territorial status of Texas in 1830, 1840, and 1846 and interpret an historical timeline. They develop a general statement of Mexican and American views of Texas.
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The Dust Bowl and the Ogallala Aquifer
Students research the characteristics of the Great Plains as an agricultural area. They examine farming techniques from the past and how those farming techniques are used today. They investigate the present uses of the Ogallala Aquifer.
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Keeping News Trustworthy
Students analyze media sources. In this media awareness lesson, students consider media outlets as businesses and discuss how they present information. Students keep media logs and analyze selected newspapers, magazines. or television...
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Establishing Borders: The Expansion of the United States 1846-48
Students investigate how the United States acquired land after the Revolutionary War ended. In this establishing borders instructional activity, students use maps to identify territories acquired by the US and the states that later...
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Mixing Up the Melting Pot
Students examine the cultures of indigenous peoples and how they have or have not assimilated into modern society. They create reports with recommendations on how the Nukak of Columbia could be assimilated into society.