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Mapping Community Values
Pupils discuss the origin of various maps focusing on the values behind them. Students also explore how human needs and geography influence community settlement patterns. Pupils extend learning by creating and mapping their own ideal...
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Through Time: Change in Sedona
Students locate events on a timeline of Sedona, Arizona and describe human and physical characteristics of the city. In this Sedona lesson plan, students locate the city on a map and listen to stories about Sedona.
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Is there a map in that story?
Eighth graders examine different pieces of literature from specific isolated Pacific islands. In this Geography lesson, 8th graders read and interpret a written selection. Students construct a map of the stories setting.
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Controlling the Flow of the Colorado River: A Study of Dams
Students research and map the Colorado River and its dams and predict the effects of a dam on an area. They suggest reasons a dam would be built and compare the Colorado River system with other major river systems within the US and...
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Louisiana Purchase
Learners use maps to locate and describe the area purchased by the Louisiana Purchase. In groups, they write a letter to Thomas Jefferson in which they evaluate the topography, climate and geography of the land. They determine the land's...
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The Mythical, Magical, Middle Ages...NOT!
Students complete worksheets and roleplay feudal simulations as they are immersed in the daily life of the Middle Ages. They study geography of Europe and the origins of European tribes. They outline and write a biographical essay and...
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Where Oh Where on the Playground, Do I Love To Be?
Students listen to poem, Where Oh Where On the Playground, Do I Love to Be?, and practice reading, interpreting, and making maps, charts, and graphs in surveying classmates and discussing their favorite places to play in school playground.
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Taking it to the Streets
Students explain the concept of cultural diffusion. They give examples of cultural diffusion throughout history; e.g. the development of Cuban music and dance. Students explain how cultural diffusion impacts civilizations, past and...
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Cave Men to Cave Painting
Students explore the Ice Age. In this geology and social studies lesson, students read the book Eyewitness Books Early Humans and create a KWL chart about the Ice Age. Students locate Asia and North America on the World Map and...
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Clothesline Sleuth
Fifth graders investigate the effect of North American colonization on human history. In this colonization lesson, 5th graders explore the global impact of colonization of North America. Students investigate the impact of geography on...
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The Carter Center’s Work in Sub-Saharan Africa
Students explore the state of Sub-Saharan Africa. In this geography skills instructional activity, students examine the work of the Carter Center in Africa as they investigate the strengths and weaknesses of linguistic, tribal, and...
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People in the World-Brazil
Second graders explore information about South America and choose a country to study. They explore culture, food, geography, clothing, language, and recreation of their country. Students visualize their learning by developing a slide...
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Japan: Images of a People
Students learn the geography of Japan and its location in reference to the United States.
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Homer's Odyssey:The Original Incredible Journey
Students study Greek culture, particularly as it relates to Homer's Odyssey. They examine how human activities shape the earth's surface and identify forces that influence a culture's beliefs and traditions. They determine that...
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Vital Signs
Students research health-related topics such as good nutrition, exercise, and the human body. They analyze their data and distribute it through the use of the Internet.
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Other Countries
Learners select a country and conduct research on the culture, population, geography, and government of their country. They conduct research using the Internet and a variety of resource books, and write and publish a report that...
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Get to Know Your City
Third graders research the history of their home city and how it's development was influenced by different groups of people. They present their research information to the class.
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The Birth of a Rocky Mountain City and Railroad: Georgetown and the Loop Railroad
Students explore the evolution of a town. In this social studies activity, students discuss why Georgetown and the Georgetown Loop Railroad were developed and discuss life as a prospector. Students write a letter explaining what life is...
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Westward Ho: The Difficulties of Emigrants Moving West
Students research the journey west of 19th century emigrants. In this pioneer lesson, students read the letters and diaries of a fictitious family traveling on the Oregon Trail. They mark their route on a US map, create a chart showing...
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Desert Views - First Impressions: Travelers on the Gila Trail
Students draw animals and plants that are described to them as they read passages of people who traveled across the Gila Trail in the Southwest. In this Gila Trail lesson plan, students also write a letter describing a plant or animal in...
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Reading the Landscape in Children's Literature
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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Leapin' Landmarks: Locating 10 Man-made Landmarks Around the World
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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Walking for Water Mini-Unit
Students participate in an activity that requires them to consider the availability of water. In this "walking for water" activity, students read "Women Bear the Weight of Water," and respond to discuss questions regarding the article....
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Ancient Cultures
Students develop archeological skills in order to explain how scientists determine what ancient cultures were like. They develop an appreciation of the work that is involved in finding out about our past.