Curated OER
Inches Away
Learners are introduced to maps, scale representations, ratios and cartography. They plot the itinerary for their family's dream vacation or a trip across the United States. Using maps, they determine the short route and second longer...
Curated OER
GIS Mapping: Special Instructions for Using Digital Orthophotos
Students practice cartography using GIS technology. They create a map of Austin using GIS and aerial photos.
Curated OER
Map It!
Fourth graders demonstrate map making skills by using the computer to create maps of the geographic features, regions, and economy for their state.
Curated OER
Create a Community Tree Tour
Students study tree identification. In this tree identification lesson, students design and assemble a tree tour booklet describing 5 trees found in their community. The booklet should feature common and Latin names of the species, a...
Curated OER
On the Road with Marco Polo: Marco Polo in China
Students investigate who the Mongols were and where their empire was located. They research Kublai Khan and the region he ruled. They study the major products of 13th Century China.
Curated OER
Life in Old Babylonia: The Importance of Trade
Students read maps and artifacts for information indicating the existence of a trade network in Old Babylonia and beyond. They list goods imported to and exported from Babylonia. They indicate trading centers on a map of ancient...
Curated OER
Do the Tallywalker
Students study the basics of mapmaking, then make a tally walker, (geographic location device used in secret).
Curated OER
How Do Cartographers Find Points on a Map?
Ninth graders describe latitude and longitude and how they may be useful to find things on a map. In this cartography lesson students divide into groups and devise a coordinate system that can be used to communicate a position.
Curated OER
Maps in Kindergarten: Rosie’s Walk
Students are read, Rosie's Walk by Pat Hutchins. In this sequencing lesson, students discover the importance of knowing how to create a map and read it. They listen to the story and complete various map making activities.
Curated OER
Finding My Way
Students determine a route from their home to the Stones River National Battlefield. In this map work lesson, students use a detailed city map of Murfreesboro to locate a route to the Stones River National Battlefield. They follow...
Curated OER
Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A Pirate's Map for Me: An Original Story
Pupils 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. Pupils read This is...
Curated OER
Mapping Roxaboxen
Fourth graders read Roxaboxen and draw a map of the Roxaboxen community. In this language arts and geography lesson plan, 4th graders use specifications given, adding features to the map as described in the book and creating a legend.
Curated OER
Layers with Lines
Students examine topographical maps and the challenges faced by cartographers when drawing the maps. While creating collages, they use contour lines to add dimension much in the same way they are used on maps to show elevation.
Curated OER
Cartographer on Assignment: Creating a Physical Map of Africa
Students use geographic information to make an outline map of Africa, then demonstrate their understanding of the physical landscape of Africa by using a variety of materials to create a physical map of Africa
Curated OER
Charting Neptune's Realm: Profiles
Students identify and describe the importance of nautical profiles in early navigation. They draw a profile of a street or mall and explore the effectiveness of different types of directions.
Curated OER
Latitude
Students examine the theory of finding latitude and discuss the uses of an astrolabe, cross-staff and octant. They determine an Astronomical Table for their classroom.
Curated OER
FUN WITH MAPS
Second graders receive a general overview about how maps are made and used, how specific information can be derived from them, and how a student can gain personal information about their surroundings from examining them.
Curated OER
Community Cartography
Students use an inflatable globe which they wrap in plastic wrap. They use a permanent marker and outline the continents, and label major oceans and trace the equator. Students bring heir globes and use their projection for a discussion...
Curated OER
Follow the Yellow Brick Road
Young scholars watch a portion of "The Wizard of Oz" and discuss how a map could be useful to Dorothy. They identify key components of maps and design a map of their classroom, including a key.
Curated OER
Kid Maps: Reading and Creating Maps with Human Characteristics
Young scholars look at maps. In this map lesson, students listen to the book My Map Book by Sara Fanelli and they see the difference between human characteristics (buildings, etc.) and natural characteristics (rivers, etc.). They create...
Curated OER
"Trails, Rails, and Roads" Lesson 2: Road Tripping
Students practice map skills and take a virtual road trip through Maine examining the history of transportation. They create questions from the information they learned and play a game against other groups.
Curated OER
Geography: Analyzing the Local Environment
Students, in groups, explore the school grounds and organize their findings according to the five themes of geography. They take notes and sketch the grounds. Students divide the school and grounds into regions based on use.
Curated OER
Mapping the Census
Students learn why the census makes a difference. In this U.S. Census lesson plan, students learn the key elements of cartography, examine the difference between data and their representation, and create a map using census data.