Introduce your class to map projections and coordinates, the basics for the work done in a GIS, with an activity that uses Google Earth to challenge learners to think about the earth's shape. 

Students examine the lines of latitude and longitude on a map, and explain why these lines might be useful. In this lesson students also explore websites that provide information to improve their understanding of how and why latitude and...

After viewing a short video about a climb up Mount Everest, high schoolers read about triangulation for measuring distant elevations. Have your class work in groups to construct an inclinometer and then use it to measure the height of...

Students examine how Earth's rotation causes daily cycles in solar energy using a microset of satellite data to investigate the Earth's daily radiation budget and locating map locations using latitude and longitude coordinates.

Students compare the change in snow and ice over a 10 year period. In this environmental science lesson, students use the live data on the NASA site to study and compare the monthly snow and ice amounts on a map of the entire...

Students examine two- and three-dimensional shapes, and discuss map skills and attributes. They plan and create their own school campus maps using pre-cut building site shapes.

Use this multidisciplinary lesson to delve into these subjects: English language arts, math, science, drama, and character education. After reading, discussing, and making interpretations about Go To Sleep, Gecko!: A Balinese...

Students play a grid-based game and devise clues to help classmates locate spots on the globe in order to recognize the value of using longitude and latitude for identifying locations.

Fifth graders explore geography by participating in a mapping activity. In this engineering lesson, 5th graders identify the differences between latitude and longitude and practice locating precise points on a globe or map. Students...

Students map local places and learn to use scale and distance.  In this mapping lesson, students map their school and a favorite place.  Students recreate their maps showing distance and scale sizes. Students locate their...

Students use maps to locate information. They read the story, "It Looked Like Spilt Milk", view images of the continents and discuss the various continents. Afterward, they make their own Atlas to record information that they can later...

Learners solve time zone problems and chart travel around the world.  In this time zone lesson, students learn about the history of time zones and view a time zone map.  Learners use the time zone map to solve time zone...

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...

Second graders use latitude and longitude coordinates to pinpoint an exact location on the map. In this geography lesson, 2nd graders utilize handouts from the Maritime Museum in order to gain practice in finding locations throughout the...

Students use maps, scales, and describe locations in order to learn about spatial sense. In this spatial sense lesson plan, students participate in many activities for this spatial sense unit that should last throughout the year.

Students use distance measuring tools to follow directions and chart the path the pilgrims made from Plymouth, England to Boston, Massachusetts. In this Pilgrim voyage lesson, students use a map to chart the distance traveled by the...

In this globe learning exercise, students learn how longitude is measured on a globe. Students read the information before answering 5 questions. A globe will be required.

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...

Students estimate the time needed by the Corps of Discovery to complete its expedition. They problem solve and estimate the distance covered by the Corps on its expedition. They compare their findings to the expedition's actual rates...

Students investigate spherical geometry using a globe and an apple. In this spherical geometry lesson plan, students translate Euclidean geometry terms to spherical geometry terms using a globe. They answer 3 questions about spherical...

Here is a fantastic, nine-page, multi-session lesson plan on the Zia Sun Symbol (found on the New Mexico state flag), and the seasons of the Earth. Everything you need to implement the lesson is here, and the many engaging activities are...

Students analyze the effects of time zone differences on how we function as a global community, focusing particularly on the turn of the millennium as a way for students to calculate time zone differences.

Young scholars practice map skills. In this map skills lesson, students locate the cities of New York and Paris on a map. Young scholars read about the flight made by Charles Lindbergh in May 1927 from New York to Paris. Students answer...

Students investigate transit by analyzing their school surroundings. In this local geography lesson, students identify their school in relation to the rest of their state, country and globe. Students discuss their personal travel habits...