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 design their own logo or picture and use a handheld GPS receiver to map it out. They write out a word or graphic on a field or playground, walk the path, and log GPS data. The results display their "art" on their GPS receiver...

Students go on a GPS scavenger hunt. They use GPS receivers to find designated waypoints and report back on what they found. They compute distances between waypoints based on the latitude and longitude, and compare with the distance the...

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...

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...

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 practice longitude and latitude to determine given position on Earth's surface, convert and calculate angular measurements, and use Pythagorean Theorem to determine change in position or distance traveled between any two locations.

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,...

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.

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...

Third graders create a model of the solar system. In this solar system lesson, 3rd graders create a scale model of the solar system. Working in pairs students solve mathematical problems to correctly measure the distance each planet is...

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...

High schoolers examine the types of earthquakes that occur in Idaho. In groups, they compare and contrast the types of energy released and how they affect the movement of the Earth. To end the activity, they analyze a map showing the...

Learners are introduced to the concept of ratios. In groups, they convert sets of numbers into a ratio. After practicing, they use the ratios and proportions to solve story problems. They also calculate map distances and discover map...

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 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 interpret a map scale to measure the space in a milking parlor. They reveiw the process of using a map scale to calculate distances. Students are given worksheets, they read the information in the box together. They draw an...

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.

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 create a map to scale using technology. In this algebra instructional activity, students navigate through a shipwreck to perform rescues. They use he CEENBoT program to perform the different tasks.

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

Students distinguish where their homes are in relation to the city of Pittsburgh. In this geography instructional activity, students read the book All Families Are Specialand find their city on a map of Pennsylvania. Students...

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.

Young scholars determine the probability of drawing coins from each of the three United States Mints. They measure the distance between the Mints and determine which is closest to them. They convert fractions to percentages.