Students triangulate using a compass, topographical (topo) map and a view of outside landmarks. They take a field trip to another location away from school and mark discernible landmarks (like mountains or radio towers) and changes in...

Students explore the effects of acid rain. In this acid rain lesson, students investigate the effects of the weathering from acid rain in different places. Students visit cemetaries to collect data about the effects of acid rain on the...

Students practice trends forecasting to predict the weather. For this forecasting lesson plan, students learn how meteorologists predict the weather by looking at weather trends. They then predict their own forecast, analyze the results,...

In this water flow worksheet, students complete 15 word puzzles, a word search, and 2 picture puzzles about the flow of water and erosion.

Students engage in an interactive Internet lesson covering the reasons and results of earthquakes. After reading eyewitness accounts and viewing animations, they use seismograms to measure and locate the epicenters. In an ongoing study,...

Fourth graders draw a rough floor plan of a house to scale without using a ruler to determine measurements. They see how architects use scale to draw blueprints, and solve math problems using scale.

Students discover using globes. In this geography lesson, students use a globe to outline the original 13 colonies. Students also use a globe to measure the distance from London to New York City and determine how many days it would have...

Students practice estimating distance traveled while walking. Also can be used to introduce backpacking/hiking or as a daily warm-up. Measure the blacktop/cafeteria/playground, then determine how many times around make a mile.

Students discuss the importance of scaling drawings. In this math lesson plan, students create a scaled drawing of circuit boards. They explain why accuracy is very important when scaling.

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 use topographic maps to identify parts of rivers. In addition, they discover gradient and predict changes in the channels caused by variations in water flow. Other activities include sketching a river model with a new channel...

Students identify the slope of a lines.In this algebra lesson, students define the  meaning of slope and write an equation given the slope. They graph linear functions using the slope and y-intercept.

Students use a zipcode map to locate earthquake experiences based on the Modified Mercalli Scale. They discuss the difference of the magnitude of an earthquake compared to the intensity of the shaking it causes.

Students gather data relating to trees in their environment. In this biology lesson plan, students determine heights of trees and their ages. A canopy map will indicate optimal growing areas for the tree.

Learners use a globe. For this geography and early settlements lesson, students learn about the settlement of missions and haciendas in New Mexico. Learners locate Mexico City and San Francisco on the globe and determine the distance...

High schoolers pretend they are hiking up a mountain. They practice making calculations on angles and elevation. They use topographic maps to estimate distances and trigonometric ratio methods.

Students role-play as escaped slaves making their way from North Carolina to Canada, stopping in Indiana. They track their journeys on maps and include a stop at Harriet Tubman's. Students write three paragraphs about how Tubman aids...

Students identify the route of Magellan's voyage. In this map skills lesson plan, students use a globe to identify various coordinates where Magellan traveled.

Students design, construct and interpret a model of geologic time and investigate change through geologic time.

Sixth graders conduct and analyze a survey that explores public perceptions about the reasons for seasonal change. They measure the changing length of days, observe shadows and discuss how the Earth's axis of rotation affects the seasons.

Young scholars are introduced to the concept of aerial perspective and scale. Students will use satellite technology to view their neighborhoods and sketch the area surrounding their schools. They will take part in a neighborhood walk to...

In this space flight worksheet, high schoolers will review physics terms relating to space which includes measuring the distance of space objects, how rockets work, and electromagnetic waves. This worksheet has 10 terms in a crossword...

Students examine the benefits of the space program to our life on earth.  In this space exploration lesson students participate in a lab, answer questions and study radar mapping. 

Students create an anemometer, an instrument that measures wind speed.