National Endowment for the Humanities
Lesson 3: On the Road with Marco Polo: From Hormuz to Kashgar
Young explorers examine the route that Marco Polo and his father traveled to reach China. They examine online maps of the Silk Road and harsh terrain of Afghanistan to determine challenges that may have been encountered during travel.
Curated OER
Waldseemuller's Map: World 1507
Students investigate the 1507 word map. In this world geography activity, students examine the details of each section of the map and then draw conclusions about how the people of 1507 understood the world. Students are evalated on...
Curated OER
Waldseemüller’s Map: World 1507
Students take a closer look at historical maps. In this primary source analysis lesson, students examine the first world map produced by Martin Waldseemuller. Students complete the included map analysis worksheet and then write letters...
Curated OER
Quick-Sketch Artist Tips on Mind Mapping the Urban Landscape
Students interpret maps. They also create mental maps of regions in which they are studying. Students then explain the historical or cultural significance of map features orally or in written form. Students take a walking field trip...
National History Day
Why Did the United States Enter World War I in 1917?
World War I was the first major conflict on a global scale. Using primary documents, learners determine why the United States chose to enter World War I when it did. After analytical writing and group research, the causes of America's...
Curated OER
Science: Matter and Energy
Designed to use when teaching adults preparing for their high school equivalency exam, the resource integrates reading practice, writing, and analytical thinking in every lesson. The unit covers 23 topics, but it only includes three...
Curated OER
once and future MOON
Beyond the phases of the moon, this comprehensive lesson plan covers geologic history and geology. Amateur astronauts examine photos of the lunar landscape, experiment with the creation of craters, and delve into information about the...
EngageNY
Getting a Handle on New Transformations 2
Use 2x2 matrices to move along a line. The second day of a two-day lesson plan is the 28th installment in a 32-part unit. Pupils work together to create and solve systems of equations that will map a transformation to a given point. The...
Curated OER
Planet Earth
Students explore and analyze data from different maps in order to explain geographic diversity among the continents. Student groups research continents' physical features and examine how they contribute to quality of life for inhabitants.
Curated OER
Cruisin' the Counties: Learning Counties and Major Roads in Arizona
Young scholars examine Arizona counties and use the themes of location and movement to develop an Arizona map.
Curated OER
Social Studies: Area and Population Density
Math scholars of many ages examine the concept of population density and then discuss the significance of the population densities of Minnesota and China. They figure the population density of their school.
Curated OER
Migrating to Texas
Fourth graders explore the migration to Texas from other parts of the United States. Through journal entries they write about the trip as if they were the settlers coming to a new and foreign country. Working in small groups, 4th graders...
Curated OER
Globe Skills Lesson 3 Voyage to the New World
Students explore the globe. In this globe skills lesson plan, students use their knowledge of latitude and longitude to respond to questions regarding Christopher Columbus's maiden voyage to the Americas.
Curated OER
U.S. Post Office Mural Walking Tour
Young scholars discover a sense of community by examining Post Office murals located in cities and small towns throughout the United States. They explore the significance of the murals by contacting and communicating with local...
National Wildlife Federation
Quantifying Land Changes Over Time Using Landsat
"Humans have become a geologic agent comparable to erosion and [volcanic] eruptions ..." Paul J. Crutzen, a Nobel Prize-winning atmospheric chemist. Using Landsat imagery, scholars create a grid showing land use type, such as urban,...
Curated OER
Arctic Microclimates
Students identify, measure, and average micro-climatic temperatures in a particular region. They draw a small-scale map of an area to be sampled (classroom, playground, park, backyard) and identify potential locations for...
Curated OER
To Walk the Sky Path
Fifth graders use maps of Florida. They locate places from a list on their map. Students use the places mentioned in the book, "To Walk the Sky Path," and locate them on the map. Students should have labeled a minimum of 10 places, and...
Curated OER
Castle Builder
Fifth graders discuss the importance of castles in medieval times. Using the internet, they research the parts of a castle and design their own using the components. They use everyday materials to build the castle to a specific scale.
Curated OER
From Home to School, GPS Style
Students are introduced and increase proficiency in the use of the hand held GPS system. They explore the meaning of longitude and latitude lines, then identify the parts of the map.
Curated OER
Attu Battlefield: U.S. Army and Navy Airfields on Attu
Young scholars use maps, readings, drawings and photos to research the World War II Battle of Attu. They explain the importance of the battle, discuss the valor and loyalty of both American and Japanese troops and analyze sources of...
Curated OER
Lewis and Clark
Fourth graders research the Lewis and Clark expedition and the Corps of Discovery. They explore a variety of websites and complete a WebQuest, analyze maps, and answer comprehension questions. Students also write journal entries and...
Curated OER
Strawberry Girl: Lesson 3 - Trains, Sails, and Trails
Students read two chapters of Strawberry Girl by Lois Lenski and complete activities about Florida's transportation history. In this literacy and economics lesson, students read two chapters of the book, talk about their journal entries,...
Curated OER
'Cross the Wide Missouri
Pupils perform a song, identify melodies, and discuss the history of folk songs.
Curated OER
Scenario challenge
Fifth graders become familiar with the geography of New Hampshire and the importance of specific sites in history. In this New Hampshire lesson, 5th graders create a brochure including points of interest and showing distances between...