Lesson Plan
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Reading a Map

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders become familiar with the vocabulary and skills related to mapping.  In this guided reading lesson, 3rd graders find proper nouns on from the map.  Students read Goldilocks.  Students make a map...
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To There And Back

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Learners calculate distance on a map by using a mileage scale to calculate the distance from their hometown to Niagara Falls. They, in groups, determine the best route, then compose stories about their journey to Niagra Falls.
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Mapping the Local Community

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students review the symbols and legends of a map. In groups, they follow a set of directions to create a map showing the route to a specific place. They present their map to the class and review the basic components of a community.
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Where Is Japan? What Direction Is It?

For Teachers 1st
First graders locate countries on maps and globes and learn about the hemispheres and the cardinal directions. They listen to books read out loud and dicuss geography.
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Draw A Coastline

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students identify, locate and draw at least ten different geographical features on a map. Using the map, they must make it to scale and include their own legend and compass rose. They share their map with the class and answer questions.
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Where Is Japan? How Far Is That?

For Teachers 1st
First graders use literature and hands-on activities with maps and globes to explain distance and tools used to measure distance. They select tools to measure various objects in the classroom, then apply those concepts to their map...
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Early Explorers

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders investigate the routes taken by the early explorers. In this explorers instructional activity, 5th graders use interactive notebooks, discussion and maps to discover the routes taken. Students get into pairs and label maps,...
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Using Four Main Directions in the Classroom

For Teachers 1st - 5th
Students identify the four cardinal directions. In this map skills geography instructional activity, students use a magnetic compass to label the four directions in the classroom. Students use the four directions to locate objects in the...
Lesson Plan
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U.S. Geography- The Northeast

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students investigate the geography of the Northeast states. In this map skills lesson, students are shown a map of the Northeast states and identify the state names and borders. Students construct individual maps of the Northeast using...
Lesson Plan
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Lesson Design Archaeology- World Map

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Students practice locating positions on the world map. For this map skills lesson, students explore the world map and items such as the compass rose, Equator, mountains, cities, etc. The students practice locating positions on the world...
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Globe Lesson 4 - Intermediate Directions

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students explore the concept of intermediate directions. In this geography skills lesson, students use map skills in order to identify intermediate directions as they complete a map activity.
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Naviagational Tools

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders create a compass, with the help of written instructions and then write six sentences discussing how compasses work and why they are helpful. They discuss the different types of navigational tools and how they are helpful.
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Cardinal Directions

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Students explore cardinal directions. In this social studies lesson, students create maps of home and school using the cardinal directions.
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Put Me in My Place: Using Alphanumeric Grids to Locate Places

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
Learners practice locating points on a large wall grid and create and label a neighborhood map. For this geography lesson, students spell and discuss places as the teacher places them on the map. They discuss the concept of an...
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Geography: Islands and Alcatraz

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students, in groups, create maps of islands including map keys and compass roses. They compare and contrast their island communities with that of the island prison, Alcatraz. Students select from a series of projects, including writing...
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Mapping With MapPoint

For Teachers 7th
The class is engaged through a discussion of mapping. They determine what they believe makes a good map and what the essential elements of a map are. Students work independently to complete a worksheet on mapping. They follow clear...
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Colonial Geography: To and From Canada

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Young scholars identify the major geographic features of colonial New England. They explain the essential parts to a map and interpret journals to plot a journey. They discover the connection between geography and life.
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Mapping with a Compass: A Simulated Survey

For Teachers 4th
Students use compasses and grids to map the locations of artifacts found in a simulated dig site. In groups, they role-play as future archeologists excavating a school site. Groups begin at their assigned datum and site the artifacts...
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Four Main Directions

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students describe directions using a globe for north, east, south and west. In this mapping lesson students identify the north and south pole. Students understand the importance of the equator and the Prime Meridian. Students explain how...
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Using the Four Main Directions in the Classroom

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Young scholars utilize a compass to determine where North is in the classroom. In this direction lesson, students label the four main directions. Young scholars locate features in the classroom and describe the directions to get to them....
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Basic Orienteering

For Teachers 4th - Higher Ed
Learners study orienteering. In this science instructional activity, students study the parts of a compass and use the compass to set a bearing and follow the bearing on the compass.
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In Mr. Lincoln's Shoes

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Students demonstrate basic map skills. In this US history lesson, students review cardinal directions and use a compass rose while at the same time discuss what life was like for Abraham Lincoln.
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Finding Your Way

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students work in small groups to practice basic map skills. They take turns giving directions and tracing a path from one location to different destinations on the map.
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Location, Location, Location!

For Teachers 12th
Twelfth graders locate cities, states and countries on maps. They use the cardinal directions to locate places on maps. They describe where they were born by giving clues without naming the exact state. They trade papers and try to guess...