Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Look at the Population Density of the United States

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers acquire census information and create maps of the population density of the United States on different scales. They role play the roles of workers of a retail company and they use the population data to market to their...
Lesson Plan
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Finding the West

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students question the idea of a geographic space called 'the West.' They first examine a map of the United States and hypothesize what region constitutes the West, then read two passages that critically discuss the notion of a geographic...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

My Summer Vacation

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students study the United States geography using Google Earth. In this U.S. geography lesson, students create travel journals about five U.S. geographical locations. Students research the human and physical characteristics for each region.
Lesson Plan
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Ecoregions of Texas

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students map the ecoregions in Texas and illustrate the vegetation native to the region. They will use their maps to investigate why prehistoric hunter-gatherers might have decided to live in one area over another, such as the ancient...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Peru Geography and the Environment

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders draw maps of Peru and examine how Peru is a geographically diverse country.
Lesson Plan
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Landforms And The Oregon Trail

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders investigate the historical context for the founding of The Oregon Trail. They conduct research to put together the events that led to the geographical route that was taken. The lesson also strengthens geography skills with...
Lesson Plan
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Teaching the Five Themes of Geography Through Picture Books

For Teachers K - 4th
Read the story Make Way for Ducklings and introduce little ones to the five themes of geography. Reread the story, while displaying transparencies to reinforce the five themes. In groups, learners view pictures and identify the themes on...
Lesson Plan
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What Is That Bubblin¿¿¿ In My Back Yard?

For Teachers 8th - 10th
Students create a map plotting local sites the Environmental Protection Agency has on its EPA Regulated Sites list. They discuss the need for citizens to, at a minimum, be aware of potential pollution hazards in their community.
Lesson Plan
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An Ancient Greek and Roman Festival

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders label a map of ancient Greek and Roman civilizations and do a written report on one element of these two cultures. They participate in discussions of food, farming, daily life and government (among others). Students use the...
Lesson Plan
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Microsoft Publisher Country Brochure

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore geographic information. In this geography and technology lesson, students choose a county and answer related questions on a Webquest. Students create a word web and design a country brochure.
Lesson Plan
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The Lewis and Clark Expedition

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine the Lewis and Clark expedition. They develop skills for historical analysis. They locate a variety of geographic features encountered by the expedition, and create a timeline that documents Lewis and Clark on their journey.
Lesson Plan
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Uncharted Territory

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Pupils 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.
Lesson Plan
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Aboriginal Societies of Canada

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders study Aboriginal Societies in Canada and do an oral presentation to the class.
Lesson Plan
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The Yangtze River: Lifeline of China

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students locate the Yangtze river on a map, and label major cities and landmarks. Students identify and interpret the diversity of the people living along the Yangtze. Students explain the pros and cons of the Three Gorges Dam project.
Lesson Plan
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About the U.S.A.

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
Students research the United States and discover its different climate zones, geographical features, animal life, and various cultures. Students complete a research chart using books, encyclopedias and the internet and present their...
Lesson Plan
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Atlantic Canada Report

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders create a report that will show an in-depth knowledge of the various geographical and climatic features of Atlantic Canada. They produce various items, on paper and using the computer, to demonstrate knowledge of outcomes,...
Lesson Plan
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Persistent Paths: Trails, Tracks and Turnpikes Across the Alleghenies

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers study maps to determine barriers associated with the Pennsylvania mountains and the Native Americans.  In this investigative lesson learners study the routes used by Native Americans, explain physical features of the...
Lesson Plan
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I Know Where You Are!

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students study what a GPS is and use it to challenge themselves and find positions on a map.  In this investigative lesson students find various points on a map using a GPS system and answer questions on a worksheet. 
Lesson Plan
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Reindeer Herders

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine the life of of nomadic herders in Siberia. They read and discuss an article and maps from National Geographic, identify threats to this way of life, and write a letter to the Russian government identifying ways to...
Lesson Plan
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Take Me Out To the Ball Game

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Learners use a map to graph and locate major league teams of different sports. In groups, they analyze the population data of the United States and compare it with the amount and location of the major league teams. They share their...
Lesson Plan
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Rosie's Walk

For Teachers K - 1st
Students use maps and globes to locate and describe locations, directions and scale. Using the maps, they identify man made or natural features of different environments. They practice using geographical terms to describe a specific...
Lesson Plan
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Land Use Over Time

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students view aerial photos and topographic maps of their local area. They compare and contrast major land use patterns over time by comparing these images to maps that are at least 50 years old. They analyze them using the four land use...
Lesson Plan
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Teaching Elementary School Social Studies

For Teachers Higher Ed
Students identify possible social studies themes that can come from the video, "Voyage of Discovery". They list the five themes of geography. They develop elementary-level interdisciplinary unit plans for social study content. They...
Lesson Plan
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The Geography of Tornadoes OR

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students learn some basic facts about tornadoes and map two selected tornado statistics by state, and observe, analyze and speculate about the pattern(s) created by the completed map.