Curated OER
The Desert Alphabet Book
Students use a book to discover an interesting fact from the desert using each letter of the alphabet. Using a United States map, they identify the meanings of symbols and locate deserts within the U.S. In groups, they participate in...
Curated OER
Alaska the Elephant
Students explore an Internet website, locating and matching the shape of an elephant's head to a state in the U.S. They complete an Alaska worksheet, identifying other geographical locations surrounding Alaska.
Curated OER
Country Capitals
Students define the meaning of country capital. In this country capital lesson, students identify the symbol and find country capitals. Students locate and label capital cities on a map and insert the capital symbol.
Curated OER
Diary of a Worm Secret Agents
Second graders explore the geography of Washington D.C. and President Bush's hometown of Crawford, Texas. They read the book, Diary of a Worm, determine the best route to go to Texas from Washington D.C., and throw a birthday party for...
Curated OER
Population Change in Vermont, 1990-2000
Students improve their mapping skills and knowledge about population distribution and change in Vermont at the county level. They are divided into groups of two or four. Each group is given two county base maps and the population...
Curated OER
TE Activity: The Trouble with Topos
Students study the uses of topographical maps including the many forms that they take. They discover that the map features show its intended use such as city maps, wilderness maps, and state maps. They complete a worksheet in which they...
Curated OER
Journey on the Underground Railroad
Students use Indiana and Michigan state road maps to trace a route to Canada from Madison, IN. with the many possible stops along the way. They make a picture book that depicts a runaway slave's journey on UCR.
Curated OER
Comparing Neighbors
Middle schoolers compare and contrast Minnesota to its Canadian neighbors. In this geography lesson plan, students work in groups to examine a map for their political division to Minnesota. Middle schoolers compare and contrast...
Curated OER
Native Americans and Topography at Rose Bay
Young scholars visit a wetland ecosystem. While they are there, students explore how to read topography maps of Rose Bay.
Curated OER
Point Me to Puerto Rico
Students research the physical features and geography of Puerto Rico as well as locate it on a world map and identify its major characteristics. Pictures and postcards are shown to each class for a visual connection to Puerto Rico as...
Curated OER
Christmas in the Philippines, Pasko Sa Aming Bayang Pilipinas
Students examine the way in which Christmas traditions are celebrated in the Philippines. They investigate why Christmas is the most important festival while looking at the geography and history of the region.
Curated OER
Mexico: One Land, Many Cultures
Students research and study the country of Mexico and complete a project about it. In this Mexico lesson plan, students research Mexico's geography, traditions, art, songs, stories, and legends that are native to Mexico.
Curated OER
Teaching Elementary School Social Studies
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...
Curated OER
Prehistory Web Quest
Sixth graders identify how geography and climate determine the lives of early hominids, the characteristics of hunter-gatherer societies, how animals affected the lives of early hominids, and how hominids overcame their physical...
Curated OER
Identifying Reasons for World Trade
Middle schoolers examine the advantages and disadvantages of world trade. They participate in a class discussion of international trade, read a handout about a specific country, and in small groups label a map with agricultural...
Curated OER
Tales From the Crypt
Eighth graders study the people of their community. In this Geography instructional activity, 8th graders research local history using maps and books. Students create a timeline of tombstones for deceased residents.
Curated OER
Rhythmic Travel Around the World
Students explore and play rhythm sticks while listening to songs from around the world. They locate the countries of origin on a map, and tap their rhythm sticks to the beat of the music.
Curated OER
Where In the World Are We?
Fifth graders read postcards and find their locations on maps. They use the pictures and text on the postcards to write about imaginary vacations. They compute the mileage and compare it to TripMaker data.
Curated OER
New: Around the World
First graders identify and demonstrate how symbols and models are used to represent features of the environment. They use a map and a globe to label where the students in the book came from, point out the continent, and show which ocean...
Curated OER
Who Lives in the Arctic North?
Students study the Arctic North. In this Canada history instructional activity, small groups of students research and then teach the class about either the plants, animals, humans, or geography in relation to the Arctic North. Students...
Curated OER
Ancient Mesopotamia
In this geography worksheet, students read about ancient Mesopotamia and respond to five short answer questions that follow. They identify what part of the country was the heart of Mesopotamia. Then students compare the given map with a...
Curated OER
Los Trenes de Espa¿¿a
High schoolers identify and read correctly the symbols of a Spanish train schedule. Using maps, they identify and locate major cities and landforms of Spain and practice using a twenty-four hour clock. Using the internet, they navigate...
Curated OER
U.S. State Reports
Students conduct Internet research on a chosen U.S. state. They include information about the history, climate, geography, symbols, and tourist attractions of their state, and write an original poem.
Curated OER
Come On Over To Maya Place
Fifth graders analyze the Mayan culture. In this Mayan culture lesson, 5th graders study the Mayan culture noting similarities and differences between the Mayan culture and their own. Students examine hieroglyphic writing and the Mayan...