Curated OER
Gingerbread Map
Second graders read the book Gingerbread Baby, identify local features and cardinal directions on a map, and then construct their own map. In this mapping lesson plan, 2nd graders construct their own map in groups based on where the baby...
Curated OER
Compass Crusaders
Students discover how to use a compass and how to use that knowledge in the field while applying orienteering and mathematical skills.
Curated OER
Orienteering: Map Skills
Students discover orienteering. In this orienteering lesson, students search for six specific landmarks. Students brainstorm how maps and landmarks are helpful.
Curated OER
Maps, Charts, and Graphs
Students define key geographic terms and track a hurricane on a map. They examine various types of maps and find locations on them,including rivers, cities and mountains.
Curated OER
Science: Reading a Compass
Learners demonstrate how to take bearings using a compass. In pairs, they select objects in the classroom then write down its first initial and bearing. They exchange papers and try to disciver their partner's object.
Curated OER
Through the Forest and Home Again: Maps Help Us Find Our Ways
Students read Little Red Riding Hood, focusing on her path home to Grandma's house. In this language arts and geography lesson, students perform a reader's theater, re-creating the walk home and possible routes that could have been...
Curated OER
Me on the Map: Homes, Neighborhoods, and Communities
Students read a book about maps and identify the differences between a picture and a map. In this maps lesson plan, students also label maps of their home, neighborhood, and community.
Curated OER
Map It With Pixie
Fourth graders use the computer program 'Pixie' to create a topographic, detailed map for the state they live in. In this mapping skills lesson, 4th graders use Pixie to make a map of their state that includes topographic features, state...
Curated OER
Lesson Design Archaeology- USGS Maps
Students research USGS maps and identify the major features. In this map skills lesson, students identify low and high elevations on a USGS map and practice finding latitude and longitude.
Curated OER
Learning to Read a Regional Map
Students locate the local community, surrounding communities and major geographic features of the SE Utah and the Four-Corners region on a map, after receiving direct instruction.
Curated OER
What Is A Map?
Students become familiar with a map and what it is used for and become familiar with school and home surroundings. With the familiarity of their surroundings they discover that maps can be created to help them with directions and how to...
Curated OER
Orienteering - The Fundamentals
Students investigate the concept of a compass and it has been used in the past and in modern times. They practice using it in the wilderness in order to test its importance in various exploring activities. Each activity is accompanied by...
Curated OER
Orienteering - Lesson 4 - Distance and Height
Pretend that you've been dropped onto a mountain, in the middle of nowhere, and all you have to find your way is a topographical map and a compass. Could you find your way to the nearest town? Orienteering teaches the skills of map...
Curated OER
How Do I Get There? Planning a Safe Route to School
One much-needed skill for young learners is direction giving. Have your class plan and draw a safe route for them to travel from home to school. They will also draw places and items that are in between home and school in order to build a...
Curated OER
Rivers Run Through It
Using a relief map of New York State, learners answer questions about the distance between different cities, identify bodies of water, and more. First, they discuss vocabulary related to the Hudson River area. Then, they complete a...
Curated OER
Cave Activity: Mapping Fractures
Young scholars tour a cave and observe fractures in the cave's ceiling. They record characteristics of the fracture. They locate three major passages in the cave and ten major fractures.
Curated OER
Mapping a Site Using a Coordinate Plane
Learners map their playground as if it were an archeological site. They locate objects on the playground and determine their location using coordinate points. A related lesson is Coordinate Grid: Mapping an Archeological Site.
Curated OER
China Quest
Read and research information on China. Young researchers complete a knowledge hunt about China then locate and describe each location using directional words. They recognize the word meaning through context clues and application practice.
Curated OER
Orienteering Scavenger Hunt
Students take a reading with a compass and use the compass to reach multiple checkpoints in a scavenger hunt activity.
Curated OER
Drake's West Indian Voyage 1588-1589
Students investigate several maps detailing Sir Francis Drake's voyages. In this geography lesson plan, students practice reading maps and locating the precise locations of where Sir Francis Drake visited. Students create an...
Curated OER
Map Creation
Second graders identify a map, symbol, key, and compass rose. Students create and print a map for teacher evaluation using the computer. Students identify the symbols on their map and orally present them to the class.
California Academy of Science
Which Way is North?
Who needs a compass to find cardinal directions? Just place a stick in the ground and record the movement of its shadow over the course of a day. Then, measure the shadow lengths in order to determine a north-south line. A simple...
Scholastic
Reading Characters
Philip Pullman's The Golden Compass provides the text for a study of how writers bring characters to life. Using the provided character mapping worksheets, readers respond to questions and then write a short character sketch.
Curated OER
Learning Directions on a Map
Students use north, south, east, and west to identify relative locations and provide directions.