Annenberg Foundation
Reading Maps
Can you read a map? Scholars use an interactive technology tool to analyze maps of various kinds to gather evidence and data to better understand their meanings and usefulness. Using newly obtained knowledge, they form an interpretation...
Curated OER
Orienteering - Lesson 2 - Topographical Maps
One of the most important skills in orienteering is being able to read a topographical map. Understanding the contour lines and symbols and the scale of the map will make planning your route so much better. In this lesson, partners get...
Curated OER
Magical Maps
Second graders discuss the importance of using maps and how they are used. After they listen to a folktale, they develop their own story line maps and write their own folktale to accompany a map. They also identify and locate the seven...
Curated OER
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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Genetic Testing: Road Map or Crystal Ball?
After looking at the many aspects of the issues behind genetic testing, high schoolers are exposed to the pros and cons and must take a stand by writing a position paper. They will view the "Who Gets to Know?" video and/or reading case...
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Gopher It! Exploring German Cyberspace
Students are introduced to the Gopher research tools. In groups, they compare and contrast English and German services on the gopher servers. They create their own dictionary of computer related terms and spend time downloading picture...
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Mapping Puerto Rico
Students use maps to discover where Puerto Rico is located. In groups, they use the internet to research the vegetation. They also compare and contrast the relationship between the United States and Puerto Rico's government.
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Mapping Districts
Students become literate in their use of maps. For this 2010 Census lesson plan, students visualize census data on maps, use map keys to read population maps, and explore the concept of population density.
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Mapping Districts
Young scholars use maps to learn about the U.S. Census. In this 2010 Census lesson plan, students visualize census data on maps, use map keys to read population maps, and explore the concept of population density.
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Weather, Data, Graphs and Maps
Students collect data on the weather, graph and analyze it. In this algebra instructional activity, students interpret maps and are able to better plan their days based on the weather reading. They make predictions based on the type of...
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Drawing A Map
Students discuss any information they already know about maps. As a class, they draw a map of a park following written directions making sure to include a compass rose and key. They are graded based on a rubric and discuss the need for...
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A Map of the Big Race
Students read a novel and practice putting the events into the correct sequence. Using the text, they create a map showing the events of the race in order and a legend. They must use vocabulary from previous chapters and make their map...
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Understanding Weather Maps and the Importance of StormT
Students explain how storm tracking is important to understanding sources of acid rain pollution. The read and explain a weather map. They set up plastic or glass collection container for rain in an open area away from buildings and trees.
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Bird's Eye View Map
Students explore seeing things from a bird's eye view. They listen to the book, "As the Crow Flies," view various objects from eye level views and standing on a chair, create a drawing of an object from both views, and read "Ben's...
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Constellation Mapping
Students plot constellations on a grid map. They discuss the various ways early explorers planned their travels. Students identify and recognize major constellations. They color their maps and take them home to try to find various...
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Making Good Decisions
Students examine the consequences of behaviors and what the concept of trade offs are. In this good decision lesson students read an article and answer questions on making good decisions.
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Virtual Field Trip
This hands-on resource has future trip planners analyze graphs of mileage, gasoline costs, and travel time on different routes. While this was originally designed for a problem-solving exercise using a Michigan map, it could be used as a...
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The Case of the "Lost Gorge:
Students examine the case of a map making expedition. In groups, they read a case study on "The Lost Gorge" in the Finger Lakes region of New York state. They examine maps and determine where the error in the map-making occured to end...
Port Jefferson School District
Hurricane Katrina
Young scientists track Hurricane Katrina across the Atlantic Ocean as they learn about these destructive forces of nature. Provided with a table of data tracking the location and conditions of Katrina over a one week span, students...
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Making Gateway Middle School Handicapped Accessible
Learners discuss the situation at their middle school about being handicapped accessible. In groups, they identify the various types of handicaps and their accommodations. They create a blueprint of the building and make suggestions in...
Reading Through History
The Proclamation of 1763
The French and Indian War concluded with an important proclamation—that is, The Proclamation of 1763. Scholars read about the policies in the document and how the different sides of the French and Indian War reacted. Following, they...
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Understanding Topographic Maps
Underclassmen create a cone-shaped landform and then draw a contour map for it. Then they examine a quadrangle (which was easily located with an online search), and relate it to what they experienced. The accompanying worksheet is...
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Changing Planet: Sea Levels Rising
Begin by showing a six-minute video, Changing Planet: Rising Sea Level as an anticipatory set. Pupils draw a topographic map of a potato continent. Finally, they will visit NOAA's sea levels online map and NASA's carbon dioxide...
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Roman Numeration
Gain a deeper understanding of the base 10 system through practicing conversion to Roman numerals through one million. The class is taught how to read the numerals through modeling and guided practice. This lesson includes a homework...