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Using the Four Main Directions in the Classroom

For Teachers K - 3rd
Young scholars use the four main directions to locate features in the classroom. In this direction instructional activity, students review the 4 main directions using a world map. Young scholars use a magnetic compass to locate the north...
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Classroom Triangles

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students use bearing measurements to triangulate and determine objects' locations. Working in teams of two or three, students must put on their investigative hats as they take bearing measurements to specified landmarks in their...
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Geographics in Arkansas

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders discuss where Arkansas is located on the United States map. They use geographic tools to participate in activities.
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Stranded along the Coast

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Pupils plot stranding sites onto a map using latitude and longitude as well as compass directions with respect to coastal features. They identify several species of marine animals that might become stranded; distinguish their...
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Environment: Going Places

For Teachers 1st
First graders learn directional words and apply this skill to map making. They record their steps on paper.
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Migrating to Texas

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders explore the migration to Texas from other parts of the United States. Through journal entries they write about the trip as if they were the settlers coming to a new and foreign country. Working in small groups, 4th graders...
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Orienteering: Welcome to the Jungle

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Young scholars work together in groups to complete a treasure hunt. Using the school grounds, they search for pictures and stuffed animals of different species. They use a GPS to locate them and record which habitat they live. They...
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Sam Houston for President...Again

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders discover the political career of Sam Houston. In this Texas history instructional activity, 4th graders research primary resources and create a modern-day version of Sam Houston's political campaign of the 1840s.
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On the Road Again": Moving People, Products, and Ideas

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
In this lesson students learn how to identify modes of transportation and communication for moving people, products, and ideas from place to place. Students also study the advantages and disadvantages of different modes of...
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Mapping A Stream

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students participate in mapping an actual waterway. They include reach lengths, transects, compass reading, and scale determinations. They include windfalls, plant cover, types of streambed composition, and landmarks such as trees and...
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Make Your Own "Weather" Map

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students create their own "weather" map using data from x-ray sources. They analyze and discuss why it is important to organize data in a fashion in which is easy to read. They compare and contrast different x-ray sources using a stellar...
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Exploring the Various Regions of Boyle Heights: Continuity and Change

For Teachers 3rd
Student study the local landscape of Boyle Heights, California and draw a sketch of the area. Students use map making skills in this activity. Studient make a portfolio of information and photographs they accumulate over time on the area.
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Globe Lesson 3 - Cardinal Directions - Grade 6+

For Students 6th - 8th
In this cardinal directions worksheet, middle schoolers read a 2-page review of cardinal directions and use a globe to respond to 5 questions.
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Survival Lesson Plan

For Teachers Higher Ed
Students participate in a survival lesson that teaches four steps to take in the event of dealing with an emergency. The skill of improvising is practiced and its importance is stressed as being resourceful. Students also cover the...
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Location

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students explore the tools used by Columbus to chart his latitude. They study the change of a location over time.
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Get Ready for the Great Outdoors!

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Students discuss what is a map and what they already know about maps. They brainstorm together to compile a list of responses for the board and observe a map of the United States, including states, capitals, and some of the National Parks.
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Social Studies For Elementary School

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders become familar with maps and work in groups to get an overview of what Europe is like. The real assignment is in the form of students creating their own trip if it could really be taken.
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Quad Squad

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students pretend they have visited a forest research station on an overnight field trip. They study forest fires, use compass directions, read maps, interpret imagery, and think about the impact of fire on ecosystems.
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Microclimates of Our School

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students read the story "Weslandia" by Paul Fleischman, define the term microclimate, gather and record data in various places on school grounds to establish the presence of difference microclimates, analyze and compare microclimates,...
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Geography: Map Making

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students, working in groups, share notes and maps collected during a study of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. They draw large composite maps of the western United States on butcher paper including land formations, bodies of water, and...
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Cartography

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students research about cartography and how to be a cartographer. In this math lesson, students draw a map of their classroom. They use a robot to explore navigation using a compass rose.
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State Research

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students apply previous knowledge of the United States to label a classroom map and then work independently to complete an online scavenger hunt. This lesson is intended for an upper-elementary classroom studying American History and/or...
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Our State Road Trip

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Young scholars 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...
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Geo-Town

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders use a checklist to construct a Geo-Town map including a compass rose, a map key, and a paragraph about a walk around Geo-Town, using appropriate geometric and directional vocabulary to identify the two-dimensional figures...