Students identify the routes involved in the Gold Rush on a map. In this map skills lesson, students use a United States map to locate the routes used to travel to California during the Gold Rush. Students demonstrate how to use the map...

Students select an expedition to research, form expedition teams, keep individual diaries and compare diaries at the end of the simulated expedition. A variety of source documents are utilized in this lesson.

Second graders are introduced to the American Indian tribes - Eastern Woodland and Plains Indians. They complete various comparison activities to explore how differently they lived.

Young scholars examine a globe and the world map to see what constitutes the differences. In this world map introductory instructional activity, students discuss what they see when they view the globe. Young scholars then, look at a...

Students identify map projections and examine polar maps. In this map skills lesson, students use a flat world map to identify various projections and calculate the distances between locations by using a map scale.

Third graders compare their thoughts about Africa before and after reading an associated book. In this cultural understanding instructional activity, 3rd graders write down their thoughts about Africa. They receive information from the...

Students examine what were preconceived perceptions of the areas Lewis and Clark explored. They compare and contrast past and modern maps of North America. They accurately place route and site information on the map.

Learners estimate the time needed by the Corps of Discovery to complete its expedition. They problem solve and estimate the distance covered by the Corps on its expedition. They compare their findings to the expedition's actual rates...

Third graders examine the history of Las Vegas. In this Las Vegas lesson, 3rd graders learn about the history of the city as they listen to a lecture. Students then create a Las Vegas timeline and acrostic poem.

Students compare and contrast methods of categorizing data. In this data collection lesson, students complete worksheet activities that require them to note the differences between equal and fractile intervals. Students also discuss...

Students locate place in Canada and explore highlights of early of early American exploration and settlement. In this North American history lesson, students locate provinces, major cities, and physical features of Canada....

Young scholars examine the use of the Hindu Kush mountains by explorers and traders. Using Afghanistan as an example, they research how different events can effect human settlerment patterns. They discuss how the physical...

Learners investigate the geography located along Route 66. They research how the population patterns change in certain areas along the highway. Students use the information in order to form hypotheses about how and why the population...

How much do you know about the holidays around the world? Second graders put their knowledge to the test with a 14-day lesson about global celebrations. They read informational text, employ KWL charts, and compare and contrast the many...

Second graders discuss Ireland including its politics, education system, agriculture, etc . . . They locate Ireland on a map, and list facts about the country. They compare Irish money to American money.

Young scholars read various cartoons in their local newspaper and calculate the population demographics, spatial distribution and grouping of the characters. Using this information, they create a population distribution map and share...

Students discuss the importance and function of nautical maps for sailors. They, in groups, take soundings of a simulated bay in a shoebox and develop a nautical chart that enable them to navigate the shoebox safely.

Learn about Mexican culture while simultaneously strengthening reading, writing and computer skills. In order to get the most out of Esperanza Rising, pupils should have prior knowledge of Mexican culture. Therefore, there are links to a...

Students explore China.  In this introduction to Chinese culture lesson, students bring in items or pictures from home that represent Chinese culture. Students create a "Chinese museum" by putting these labeled items on display,...

Students examine several maps and consider mapmakers' perspective in early depictions of North America.They determine how the spherical shape of the earth makes any north-south and east-west orientation a matter of perspective. For...

Fifth graders locate different time zones. In this time zones instructional activity, 5th graders label the different time zones. Students research the different ways man has kept time throughout history. Students also compute the...

Students research and chart the shortest course to circumnavigate the globe.

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

Students examine maps that are designed to give different perspectives. They create mental maps that illustrate their own perspectives and those of people from other parts of the world.