Curated OER
Compass Rose
Second graders practice identifying the four cardinal directions. After locating a compass rose on a map, 2nd graders explain each point that corresponds to a direction. Using a toy ship as a manipulative on a map, students observe its...
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Topo Map Mania!
Students read and use topographical maps. They also use a compass to find bearing to an object on a map and in the classroom. Ask your students how they might travel to somewhere they have never been to befo
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A Map Mystery
Second graders solve a map mystery. In this technology lesson plan, 2nd graders develop an awareness of maps and the symbols associated with maps as they the "Neighborhood Map Machine."
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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.
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Combining Map and Compass
Learners practice using the map and compass to find a location. In this geography instructional activity series, students identify basic requirements needed when traveling in the wilderness. They plan a healthy menu for a backpacking trip.
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Through the Forest and Home Again: Maps Help Us Find Our Ways
Students read Little Red Riding Hood, focusing on her path home to Grandma's house. In this language arts and geography lesson, students perform a reader's theater, re-creating the walk home and possible routes that could have been...
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Science: Reading a Compass
Young scholars 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.
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Orienteering - The Fundamentals
Students investigate the concept of a compass and it has been used in the past and in modern times. They practice using it in the wilderness in order to test its importance in various exploring activities. Each activity is accompanied by...
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Cave Activity: Mapping Fractures
Students tour a cave and observe fractures in the cave's ceiling. They record characteristics of the fracture. They locate three major passages in the cave and ten major fractures.
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Mapping a Site Using a Coordinate Plane
Learners map their playground as if it were an archeological site. They locate objects on the playground and determine their location using coordinate points. A related lesson is Coordinate Grid: Mapping an Archeological Site.
California Academy of Science
Which Way is North?
Who needs a compass to find cardinal directions? Just place a stick in the ground and record the movement of its shadow over the course of a day. Then, measure the shadow lengths in order to determine a north-south line. A simple...
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Map your Schoolyard
Young scholars practice their mapping skills by creating an accurate map of their schoolyard using an aerial photo from the National Map web site. Students include legends, a scale, and a north arrow on their maps.
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TE Activity: Northward Ho!
Young scholars 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.
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North, South, East, and West
A basic lesson on the teaching of the cardinal directions awaits your class. They are directed to go to different parts of the playground and where they attempt to describe their location in relation to each other by using the cardinal...
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Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A Pirate's Map for Me: An Original Story
Students read Blackbeard and brainstorm their knowledge of maps. In this language arts and geography lesson, students use landmarks on their playground to review north, south, east and west and discuss the compass rose. Students read...
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Mapping the Local Community
Young scholars review the symbols and legends of a map. In groups, they follow a set of directions to create a map showing the route to a specific place. They present their map to the class and review the basic components of a community.
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In Mr. Lincoln's Shoes
Students demonstrate basic map skills. In this US history lesson, students review cardinal directions and use a compass rose while at the same time discuss what life was like for Abraham Lincoln.
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Capitals, Oceans, And Border States
Students investigate geography by completing games with classmates. In this United States of America instructional activity, students examine a map of North America and identify the borders of Mexico and Canada as well as the Pacific and...
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Which Way Is North?
Students investigate the concept of finding locations with the use of a compass and a map. They practice the skill of bearing and set up courses of travel to different destinations around the school grounds. Students also practice taking...
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Leaf, Tree and Prairie Study
Students are introduced to the topic of Botany and the process of photosynthesis. Using various habitats, they research the amount of destruction it is facing and how to solve the problem. They make a leaf booklet with leaves they find...
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Cardinal and Ordinal Directions
Students use a compass to locate cardinal and ordinal directions. In small groups, they describe and create a journey for their classmates using their compass. Groups create a scale map for their classmates to follow and relate this...
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Where in the World? The Basics of Latitude and Longitude
Students are introduced to the concepts of latitude and longitude. In groups, they identify the Earth's magnetic field and the disadvantages of using compasses for navigation. They identify the major lines of latitude and longitude on a...
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Follow the Light
Here is another in the interesting series of lessons that use the special State Quarters as a learning tool. During this instructional activity, pupils learn about lighthouses, maps, the cardinal directions on a compass, and U.S....
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Location, Location
Third graders draw and interpret simple scale maps, use maps to move around efficiently or plans to propose actions. They use of a compass to specify and find directions. They display and discuss a map of the local region.