For this lesson, introduce your students to the world of maps and discover a world of information online. Students learn how to identify different types of maps, comparing maps to the rooms of a house.

"The David Rumsey Historical Map Collection focuses on rare 18th and 19th century North and South America cartographic history materials. Historic maps of the World, Europe, Asia, and Africa are also represented. The collection...

Several historical maps showing steamship routes around 1900, ancient world maps, and shipping routes and lines in 1912, including those that passed through the Panama Canal.

Read a summary of the history of map-making and the maps that were produced as a result of European exploration in the Americas. See examples of these maps and find out more about each one in this exhibit from the Mariners' Museum.

This incredible site outlines the rise and implementation of the Nazi Party in Germany. While learning about Hitler's transformation of Germany, explore the incredible pictures, audio clips, maps, video clips, and an interactive quiz.

In this self-directed activity, students will use maps and Frogwatch data to explore the natural and invasive range of the American bullfrog. A handout with everything the student needs to complete this activity is available as a PDF or...

This learning module examines how the world has become smaller as time and space have converged. Transportation is much faster, making places more accessible, goods can be more quickly and easily transported, and the Internet connects...

An unfortunate spill of 92,000 rubber ducks into the ocean in 1992 elicited invaluable information about global ocean currents as scientists tracked their journeys around the world. In this lesson, students first learn about the Ocean...

Smithsonian Education presents Contrasts in Blue: Life on the Caribbean Coral Reef and the Rocky Coast of Maine. Teachers can download this comprehensive teaching package in which students explore two marine ecosystems, the coral reefs...

Interactive map of the invasion of Normandy, which commenced on June 6, 1944, D-day.

Learn about different landforms and water bodies and the various characteristics that make them distinct from one another in this lesson plan from WGBH. Navigate around a virtual island to unlock information -- including videos and...

In this learning module, students will engage in a deep study of H.G. Wells' The War of the Worlds. Worksheets, tests, and map projects are provided to reinforce comprehension of The War of the Worlds. This module is designed to support...

Description and link to a map of the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893.

Full of useful facts and information on the geography of Guyana including: terrain, climate, and hydrology. Includes a link to a detailed map of Guyana.

A seminar focusing on Andrew Marvell (1621-1678), comparing his poem 'Bermudas' with contemporary maps of the Bermuda Islands.

This terrific site from the National Museum of Natural History gives general information about the Burgess Shale and the fossils found within. Use the links to go the Burgess Shale specimens page where there are drawings of many of the...

Examine the contributions of Pennsylvania's major industries and Pennsylvanians to World War II. Included in this detailed, historical account are links to maps and pictorial images of the era.

The history of Japanese Americans during World War II. Includes videos, pictures, and maps.

Learn all about the Tropical Rainforest biome. Learn where rainforests are found, what defines a rainforest, layers in the rainforest, and plants and animals of the rainforest. See 2 videos about the rainforest.

Joy Harjo is the focus of this brief biography highlighting her poetry which concentrates on celebrating Native American women. See "Joy Harjo Activities" for more materials.

Brief account of the Battle of Somme that includes a captioned animated map showing the battle along with links to further resources.

Lists all the countries in the world that are landlocked. Gives area, population, capital, and bordering countries, as well as a map for each of the largest countries. This is followed by a list of other landlocked countries and their...

This resource from the CIA World Factbook provides a detailed fact sheet of the Federated States of Micronesia. The content covers the country's geography, people, government, economy, communications, transportation, military, and...

Surveys the ideas of Claudius Ptolemy (90-170 AD) in regard to the shape of the world and his influence on the history of mapmaking.