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Magical Maps

For Teachers 2nd
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...
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Geo-Trip

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders explore geographic locations by creating a travel brochure.
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Africa: Introduction, Geography and Mapping

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students study the geography of Africa through the use of maps. They locate, distinguish, and describe the relationships among varying regional and global patterns of geographic phenomena such as landforms, climate, and natural resources.
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Comparing Distances

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students practice estimating distances by analyzing a map. In this length measurement lesson plan, students view a map with a distance key and use their measurement skills to estimate the distance between two cities. Students utilize an...
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Building a Scale Model

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders create a model of the solar system. In this solar system lesson, 3rd graders create a scale model of the solar system. Working in pairs students solve mathematical problems to correctly measure the distance each planet is...
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Current Events, Geography

For Teachers 6th - 11th
Students read the newspaper to become aware of what is happening in their city, state, nation, and world. They summarize, find locations on a map and ask thought-provoking questions.
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Map Scale and the Pioneer Journey

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders use a map, ruler and calculato to determine the distance the pioneers traveled from Nauvoo, Ill. to the Salt Lake Valley.
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Mud Maps

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Learners discuss the location of stores, buildings, and homes in their community. Afterwards, they create a 'mud map' demonstrating the route from one point to another. In pairs, students read travel directions from a brochure, while...
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A Contouring We Go

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the built environment and infrastructures of their community by constructing contour equipment, using the equipment, and comparing their results to current topographical maps of the same area
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To There And Back

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students calculate distance on a map by using a mileage scale to calculate the distance from their hometown to Niagara Falls. They, in groups, determine the best route, then compose stories about their journey to Niagra Falls.
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Planet Earth

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students explore and analyze data from different maps in order to explain geographic diversity among the continents. Student groups research continents' physical features and examine how they contribute to quality of life for inhabitants.
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Amelia the Pigeon: As a Pigeon Flies

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students follow Amelia's adventure on a satellite image. They use measuring and math skills to determine the distance she traveled.
Lesson Plan
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The Mekong River

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Junior geographers explore the region through which the Mekong flows, its pathway, the landscape, how people depend on the Mekong, and future uncertainties. They apply the five themes of geography to examine the region. They create a...
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How Far And How Long Will It Take

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Students use a ruler to determine length and then fit the unit to a scale in miles. This unit will also give a geological awareness of altitude and the difference it makes in travel time. The travel time with Mapquest will obviously be...
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U.S. Geography: The Northeast

For Teachers K - 5th
Students investigate U.S. Geography by creating a map in class. In this natural resource lesson, students create a map of the United States and research the Northeast based on their resources and recyclable materials.  Students...
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To Walk the Sky Path

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders use maps of Florida. They locate places from a list on their map. Students use the places mentioned in the book, "To Walk the Sky Path," and locate them on the map. Students should have labeled a minimum of 10 places, and...
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Let's Go to Nagano!

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students, individually and in groups, utilize Internet sites to access maps, scales, and information to assist them in calculating distances. They research modes of travel from their homes to Nagano, Japan, and write a travel agenda for
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Cartography

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students research about cartography and how to be a cartographer. In this math activity, students draw a map of their classroom. They use a robot to explore navigation using a compass rose.
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Cherishing the Water of Life

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students work in small groups to brainstorm a list of all creatures, plants, natural, and artificial processes that use or depend on fresh water. The class views an aquarium filled with water representing all the water in the world. The...
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In a Galaxy Far, Far, Far Away

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders compare distances between objects in the solar system. They investigate how light years are measured and when using them to measure how distances compare with one another. They write an essay exploring the possibility of...
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The Middle Ages

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students read books about the Middle Ages. They discuss characteristics of the Middle Ages. In groups, students construct a castle and draw a map to scale. Pupils create a Venn diagram comparing rules in different countries in the...
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Deer Tracks

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students use satellite images to track to movement patterns of deer and examine deer behavior. They write stories about a day in the life of a field scientist.
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Site vs. Situation: Location! Location! Location!

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students examine places with a similar latitude to Alabama, and discuss the importance of a location's site versus its situation. They analyze maps, create a chart, and write a paragraph on the difference between site and situation.
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Peru's Earthquake

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Students identify the patterns of earthquakes by mapping USGS data and comparing it to mapped tectonic plates. They discover the relationship between earthquakes and the moving plates of the Earth's crust.