Lesson Plan
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World Projections

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Young scholars 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.
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Country Capitals

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students locate country capitals on a world map. For this map skills lesson, students review the definition of the word country and discuss what a capital is. Students locate and label capital cities on a world map using a map marker.
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Countries of the World

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students in a ESL classroom examine a world map and study the various countries' names. The study the cultures of selected countries and create a vocabulary list. Finally they label an empty map with the countries' names and a short...
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Discovering New Mexico

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders discuss the elements of maps and using basic linear measurement. They calculate the distance between the cities and create a simulated journey around New Mexico using a road map. They write out the directions for their...
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Mathematics of Cartography

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students practice their math skills as they explore maps. In this cartography lesson, students calculate distance, scale, coordinate systems, and projection as they work independently reading online maps.
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Introduction to Symbols

For Teachers Pre-K - 1st
Students study the concept of picture symbols as a way to express ideas without using words. In this picture symbol lesson, students place symbols on a U.S. map according to meaning.  Students then review various symbols...
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Introduction to the Globe

For Teachers K - 4th
Students investigate how to use a globe. In this map skills activity, students define what a globe is and locate the various continents on the globe. Students are also asked to locate the four oceans on the globe.
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Taming the Mighty Dragon

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students incorporate the five themes of geography to study the Yangtze river region. They analyze the possible effects of the three rivers gorge damn project on this area and role play a float the entire length of this dangerous river...
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Solar Heating in the Himalayas

For Teachers 6th - 8th
A fascinating lesson on how solar power is utilized by people who live in the Himalayas is here for you. In it, learners perform a case study which will help them understand that solar energy is a renewable resource, that geography...
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Air Pollution in Mexico City

For Teachers 7th - 10th
A fantastic lesson on urban air pollution problems throughout the world is here for you. Learners understand that there are many factors involved in creating pollution, that there are many health effects brought on by air pollution, and...
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Itaipu Dam and Power Plant (Brazil and Paraguay)

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners study South America's Itaipu Dam and Power Plant in order to gain an understanding that hydroelectric power is a major means of generating electricity throughout the world. They also look into the environmental impacts that...
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Climb a Mountain, Raft a River on Your Own Land

For Teachers K - 2nd
Learners are introduced to the characteristics of a map. As a class, they discuss the uses of public lands in their community and develop symbols for each feature. They use the symbols to create a map showing the recreational uses of...
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Reading a Local and National Weather Map

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students practice reading a national and local weather map. Using this information, they work together to make predictions about the weather for the next few days. They discuss the use of symbols and maps as a class and discuss how...
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She's All Over the Map

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students consider female authors and their literature. Working in partnerships, they research and map the life and work of a Nobel Prize-winning female author of their choice. Students write individual letters expressing their thoughts...
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Whole Language Approach to Map Making

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders, after reading Island of the Blue Dolphins, explore map making using the Whole Language Approach.
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Lesson 2: Mapping With Words

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students demonstrate an understanding of the personal relationship that Wabanaki peoples had with the land by analyzing selected Wabanaki place names. They practice map-reading and map-making skills.
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Introduction to the United States Map

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Pupils identify the United States of America and it's states on a map. In this mapping lesson, students examine a globe and find the United States as well as a few land marks (Florida and the Great Lakes).  Pupils then look at a...
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Eager to Get to Ancient Egypt

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders explore the geography of Ancient Egypt, read a story and answer questions on a web site.
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Using Literature to Introduce the Five Themes of Geography

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students listen to a read aloud of "If You Grew Up With Abraham Lincoln". Using the text, they identify examples of the five themes of geography and write them down. Using a map, they plot the places mentioned in the book and sort facts...
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How Worldly Are You?

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders locate and map six components to have a working knowledge of maps. In this map skills lesson, 6th graders define the six map components and work in groups to draw a map using the components. Students read a related...
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Put Me in My Place: Using Alphanumeric Grids to Locate Places

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
Learners practice locating points on a large wall grid and create and label a neighborhood map. For this geography lesson, students spell and discuss places as the teacher places them on the map. They discuss the concept of an...
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The Water Around Us

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students discuss importance of reading maps and knowing about the geography of the United States, and locate bodies of water on different types of maps and examine how they are used in the state or local community.
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COLONIAL FLYERS/TRAVEL BROCHURES TO THE COLONIES

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Pupils investigate concepts of history and geography in this lesson plan. They create travel brochures for travelers who are crossing the Atlantic Ocean to populate the colonies of early America. The brochure has topographical...
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Land Elevation

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
Students investigate land elevation. In this map skills lesson, students use a physical map to identify various elevations of the land. Students find landform features such hills and coastlines.