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Exploring with Cartography

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students are introduced to the topic of cartography. Using the internet, they research the paths and goals of early explorers. They create a PowerPoint presentation of the information they collected. They also develop a...
Lesson Plan
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Voyage to the New World

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine the exploration of the New World. They write a descriptive account of the first encounter between Europeans and Native Americans, analyze and label maps, plot Columbus's journey on a map, and write a chapter summary.
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Where in the World

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students explore the global grid system. For this globe lesson, students identify latitude and longitude lines and how these can tell the coordinates of any place. They use the Internet to find the exact coordinates for their town. 
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Matthew Henson

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Discuss the work of Matthew Henson, an African American who traveled to the North Pole with Robert Peary. After reading the story "Matthew Henson" by Maryann N. Weidt, learners answer questions by drawing inferences and conclusions,...
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Explore Your World--Geography Takes You Places

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students examine how the world around them is constantly changing. In groups, they travel between centers in their classroom to role play the role of explorers in Washington D.C. They share their experiences with their classmates and...
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Exploring Indiana's Natural Resources

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders complete a variety of activities as they study the European exploration of the Midwest, focusing on Indiana. They map the path explorers took, comparing the British with the French. They research why the explorers stopped...
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Conquering North America

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students create a study guide on colonization of North America. In this American Colonization lesson, students complete a chart of explorers and their conquests. Students complete a crossword puzzle using explorer facts. Students read...
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Explorers of the Mighty North

For Teachers 6th - 7th
Students access the Internet to research the journey made by Rear Admiral Peary and Matthew Alexander Henson to the North Pole. They locate the North Pole on maps and globes. They present oral reports to classmates on their research.
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BACK IN TIME

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Young scholars explain what is involved in exploration and settlement of new areas. They become explorers and discover their surroundings through various activities.
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Spanish Influence in the U.S.

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders research the role of the first Spanish conquistadors who explored the now United States. Using the internet, they gather information on different explorers and write a paper about why he is important in American history. ...
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How Do You Know Where You Are?

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders are introduced to geographic thinking, setting the stage for the creation of a map showing distance, direction, location and symbols from their residences to school.
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Settling Nroth America: Improvisation and Playwriting

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students map the classroom by marking the movement of the first Americans' migration from Alaska down into North America. To improve their skills in map-reading and sense of direction, students identify physical features of the map and...
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Jackie Steals Home

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students read articles relating to Jackie Robinson's breaking of the racial barrier in professional baseball. This leads to a deeper exploration of racism in the United States. They use a variety of worksheets imbedded in this plan to...
Lesson Plan
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Spanish Influence on United States Currency: The Origins of the "Dollar"

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders research the Spanish influence on early colonial America and the process of establishing the present U.S. currency. They read and discuss an informational handout in small groups, and take a short quiz. Students then...
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Pioneer America: Journey West

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders experience pioneer life on the Oregon trail. For this pioneer lesson, 4th graders research the reasons for moving west and what life was like on the trail. They create a map, complete an oral presentation, and write about...
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At Home On The Range

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Students explore the history and domestication of the Bovidae family and their importance to our prairie ecosystem. Using a map of the United States, students located the American Great Plains. They complete worksheets and discuss...
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The French in Texas

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders gain a broad understanding of early French exploration and settlement in Texas. They access websites imbedded in this plan. Using their notes, 4th graders work alone or with a partner to create an illustrated journal with...
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The French in Texas

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders examine early French exploration and settlement in Texas. They read handouts, explore Internet websites and take notes, and create an illustrated journal with written entries.
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A Capital Idea

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students write a description of the spatial organization of the former and present location of New Hampshire's state capital. They analyze maps, participate in a class discussion, and calculate the distance of Concord from the borders...
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Pilgrims: The First Americans

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders become familar with the pilgrims and first Thanksgiving through essays about important people of the time.  In this Thanksgiving lesson, 5th graders choose an important figure from the time of the Pilgrims and write a...
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Discovery of America

For Teachers 10th - 11th
Students examine the European conquest of North America. They participate in activities which allow them to discover the indigenous peoples of the region. They also place events in chrongological order.