In this maps learning exercise, students read 3 pages of detailed information about maps, latitude, longitude, topography, satellites and global positioning. Students then answer 10 questions. There is also a research project assignment...

Students search the Internet for data pertaining to the world's volcanic and seismic activity.

Students explore earthquakes. In this earthquake lesson, students research earthquakes and identify where they take place. Students use map skills to track down earthquake locations. There are internet sites suggested in this lesson.

Students create topography relief maps. In this geography skills lesson, students review geography core knowledge skills, design and make a state relief map, and compile a student atlas.

In this geography skills worksheet, students respond to 30 short answer questions pertaining to physical and human geography.

Students use maps to locate and label the major rivers of North and South America. Using the internet, they identify forests, grasslands, mountain ranges and other landforms on the continents as well. They compare and contrast the...

Students identify the similarities and differences between different maps and globes. Individually, they create a map of their classroom along with a compass rose. They also practice reading maps as a class and finding specific locations.

Students practice making a map of a continent and correctly plotting five cities on that map. They place latitude and longitude lines on a map, determine the need for various map projections and explain why map scales are necessary.

Students work effectively in groups to achieve a common goal: Create the most efficient cargo shipping route. They successfully identify and locate port cities using latitude and longitude. To use the formula r=d/t (rate equals distance...

Students examine a variety of sand samples from throughout the world. On an index card, they write the characteristics of the sand and draw what the grains look like to use during the activity. Using a map, they practice plotting...

Students investigate plate tectonics and their correlation with natural phenomena like earthquakes and volcanoes. They use the internet to see real-time data about earthquakes and volcanoes. Students plot latitude and longitude points on...

Students use authentic satellite data on the NASA website to determine when the sea surface temperature meets the criteria to induce coral bleaching.

Students examine common trends in climate across the U.S. They identify the anomalies in hot-cold temperature differences in the U.S and locate them on the map using latitude and longitude coordinates.

First graders examine the differences between a map and a globe. They discuss and identify the symbols on maps and globes, then in small groups complete a worksheet. Students then complete a Venn Diagram comparing maps and globes.

Students take a virtual tour of the country of China instead of a state. Using the Internet, they examine the differences between a political and physical map and use latitude and longitude to locate specific places. They also research...

Students use satellite data to compare precipitation and surface temperatures on different islands.  In this satellite instructional activity students create graphs and explain the differences between weather and climate. 

Eighth graders write a Compare and Contrast essay comparing the lives of similarly aged students at different Latitudes. They share their essays with epals, via e-mail. They may include digital photographs in their correspondence as well.

Students use data to determine if the climate in Portland has changed over the years.  In this weather lesson students complete line graphs and study long wave radiation. 

Students determine areas that are the most likely to produce solar energy by using NASA data.  In this solar energy lesson students analyze plots and determine solar panel use. 

Learners, after reading a novel, utilize geographic skills to map out the places described in the novel. They collect data, envision spatial features and then design a map to work off of to complete their assignment. Each student also...

Students compare current weather data to historic data to see if there is a temperature change.  In this weather lesson students complete a lab activity and determine average changes in temperature, precipitation and cloud cover.

Students explain why compass angles need to be corrected for regional magnetic variation. They observe the difference between magnetic and true north. Each student measures the angle of variation for a town in a different state.

Students attempt to understand seasonal variation by viewing images of the energy received by the earth. For this weather lesson, students view images from NASA of the influx of energy from the sun and make predictions about resulting...

Scholars investigate levels of nitrogen dioxide in the Pacific Northwest by examining the role of nitrogen in air pollution and how remote sensing can be used to measure nitrogen levels. An Excel spreadsheet calculates the difference...