Fifth graders explore the National Parks in the United States. After locating specified states, 5th graders predict which states have the most National Parks. Given the population of each state, students determine the average acre per...

Third graders research the Los Angeles River Basin and how it has changed over time.

Students explore how construction of a dam on the Gila River affected the lifestyle of Pima Indians. In this social studies lesson, students locate the Gila River and the Coolidge Dam. Students record dates on a timeline and discuss how...

Sixth graders explore the push/pull factors that influenced the South to North migration.  In this African-American migration lesson plan, 6th graders read an article and answer comprehension questions. Students write a letter to...

Students research the journey west of 19th century emigrants. In this pioneer lesson, students read the letters and diaries of a fictitious family traveling on the Oregon Trail. They mark their route on a US map, create a chart showing...

Students learn about a different way of life.  In this river and dams activity, students discuss  the Hoover Dam.  Students then view pictures of the Hoover Dam, discuss the impact of dams, and compare life before and...

Students describe climate change and the future impact it could have on our physical environment. They identify the regions of the world that would encounter the most significant effects of a global warming.

Students research and map the Colorado River and its dams and predict the effects of a dam on an area. They suggest reasons a dam would be built and compare the Colorado River system with other major river systems within the US and...

Students analyze the story Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain geographically, and explain the term climate and discuss its relevance in the story as well as to their own lives.

Eighth graders examine different pieces of literature from specific isolated Pacific islands. In this Geography lesson, 8th graders read and interpret a written selection. Students construct a map of the stories setting.

Students analyze the difference between archaeology and anthropology while studying the evolution of different products. In this archaeology and anthropology instructional activity, students trace the progression of a certain tool or...

Middle schoolers use maps to locate and describe the area purchased by the Louisiana Purchase. In groups, they write a letter to Thomas Jefferson in which they evaluate the topography, climate and geography of the land. They determine...

High schoolers review artwork that relates to the environment and communicates a value. They view and analyze art by Andy Warhol, Eric Carle and Albert Bierstadt and then create original pieces with an environmental theme.

Seventh graders explore the concept of medical intervention in African nations. For this geography lesson, 7th graders research primary and secondary sources in search of information regarding Guinea worm disease. Students use their...

Second graders identify the role of whaling in ancient Hawaii and the role of whales in Hawaii today, identify the migration route of whales and identify the whales that migrate to our Hawaiian waters.

Students discuss the difference between major landforms as a class. In groups, they rate the landforms based on the needs of the community that wish to settle there. They also discuss the push and pull factors of the colonists that made...

Pupils role-play the 1737 Walking Purchase. In this Pennsylvania history lesson, students role-play the 1737 Walking Purchase and analyze its effects. Pupils also consider how it would affect their community today.

Students study the Arctic North. In this Canada history instructional activity, small groups of students research and then teach the class about either the plants, animals, humans, or geography in relation to the Arctic North. Students...

Students discuss key terms used to describe ecosystems and how humans are altering natural resources. They listen to the book, Grandfather's Wisdom, and list the renewable and nonrenewable resources they have used or consumed in the past...

Eighth graders use different types of maps to find locations and surface features.  In this map-reading lesson students use a compass to find direction.

Students identify how the human activities in the state of Maryland have changed/ evolved over the last 50 years. They evaluate a land planning document and prepare a fictitious planning document for a given area of land.

Eighth graders discover the role of American buffalo in Westward Expansion. In this Westward Expansion lesson, 8th graders examine primary and secondary sources in order to create a cause and effect chart that features the treatment of...

Students determine how technological advancements have formed history. In this Jacksonian democracy lesson, students research innovations of the era and then compare them to the technological innovations of today. Students also debate...

Students learn the geography of Japan and its location in reference to the United States.