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Five Themes of Geography and Current Events

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Basically, pupils look for a current world event from a reputable source and identify the five themes of geography within it. Throughout the school year, they keep a notebook of these current events. A grading guideline is outlined, and...
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Maize to Maquiladoras: Movement from Mexico to Arizona

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders label maps of Arizona and Mexico to show the people, goods, and ideas that have moved between the two places. In this Arizona and Mexico lesson plan, 4th graders summarize the effects of the movement on Arizona life.
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Grades 6-8 Lesson Plan - Cities as Transportation Centers

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine maps of the 1800's and 1900's. In this geography skills lesson, students collaborate to read core maps and identify transportation centers and travel networks.
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Second Star To the Left and Straight On 'Till Morning" - Spreadsheet Driven Exploration of Pacific Asian Geography

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the geography of Pacific Asia. The class is divided into two groups to participate in a role-play activity where they act as European explorers. Students utilize mathematics, spreadsheet and internet technology to make...
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Discovering Prehistoric Trails

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders examine prehistoric terrain. In this geography lesson plan, 8th graders discover necessary resources for settlers. Students work in small groups to create a trail crossing the state of Kansas.
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Leapin' Landmarks: Locating 10 Man-made Landmarks Around the World

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders label continents, oceans, and major mountain ranges on maps and use the maps to write an informational report about landmarks. In this landmarks lesson plan, 3rd graders write about 1 major landmark.
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Message in a Bottle

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders write a short story about being stranded on a deserted island. After a brief geography review of locations at various latitudes and longitudes, 6th graders draft their story about being stranded. They use sensory and...
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The Hopi Indians

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders read and look at maps of the Hopi Indians and compare and contrast their lives with the Hopi Indians. In this Hopi Indians lesson plan, 4th graders learn about different cultures and answer short answer questions.
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Flat Stanley

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
Pupils read Flat Stanley, and make a poster board Flat Stanley which they sent out to family members in different states. They create an adventure for their Flat Stanley based on his "travels" and map out his trip.
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Eastern Europe: Passport to Understanding

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders explore Eastern Europe. They analyze data on select countries. Students prepare a short oral presentation on the country they researched. They locate their country using an interactive map.
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Making Sense Of A Round World On A Flat Surface

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students engage in a lesson that is concerned with the development of geography skills. They take part in a number of activities that center around finding and traveling to different locations. The lesson has resource links that can be...
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Will Smog be a Problem at the Olympic Games?

For Teachers 2nd - 6th
Students locate China on a world map, then read a news article about pollution in Beijing. In this current events activity, the teacher introduces the article with a discussion about smog and a vocabulary activity, then students read the...
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Kalahari Explorations

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore world geography by completing graphic organizers and researching the Internet. In this Kalahari desert lesson, students identify the geographic location, weather and creation of the Kalahari desert. Students define a...
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Planning a Railroad

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students use a topographical map to plan a route from Doknner Summit to Truckee, then compare it to the route selected by Theodore Judah.
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A Study of Alaska

For Teachers 2nd - 12th
Students explore Alaska. This lesson is gearing mostly for students who live in Alaska.
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My Summer Vacation: Traveling

For Teachers K
A classic lesson idea, kindergarteners share stories about their summer vacations on their first day of school! First, your young learners will listen to you talk about your summer vacation, making sure to use plenty of visual aids. Then...
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Indus Valley Geography and Civilization

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students study the geographical features of the Indus Valley to determine how the location of this valley contributed to the growth of an ancient civilization. They work in groups to research the area before completing map work that...
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Study of New York City

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders read A Cricket in Times Square and examine the essence of living in New York City. They examine subway maps and other resources concerning NYC and then complete several writing activities about the city. They also create...
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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...
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Geography Game

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders, in groups, selects a letter as a starting point and announces the direction in which he intends to move on a map. The team that closes a square takes possession of the square and marks it with their symbol.
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Reading the Landscape in Children's Literature

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students identify geographical information about landscapes found in student literature, demonstrate an organizing tool, developed around geographical themes, for the recording of information, and share uses of this approach.
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Journey to Japan: An Elementary Geography Standards-Based Unit on Japan

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders compare and contrast Japanese customs and culture to those of Americans through research in this year long study. They determine the basic needs of all people in spite of cultural differences.
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Globe Lesson 13 - When the Day Changes

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers explore the patterns of day and night. In this geography skills instructional activity, students read brief selections and examine diagrams that note the transition of day and night around the world. Middle schoolers...
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Multi-cultural and Multiple Perspectives Literacy Lesson

For Teachers 3rd
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...