Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Illusions of Depth

For Teachers K - 5th
Learning to create depth when painting or drawing takes skill and the ability to understand how things should be placed on the canvas. The class will use the Charles Deas painting Long Jakes to learn about composition, sharing...
Lesson Plan
American Battlefield Trust

Fredericksburg 360

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Urban combat long preceded today's video games. Pupils today experience the battle of Fredericksburg—a major Civil War engagement in an American city—using a 360-degree interactive app. Users explore the battlefield online, using  a...
Lesson Plan
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Introduction to Maps

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
Students develop their map skills. In this geography lesson, students participate in an activity that requires them to survey their social studies book in order to find different types of maps and purposes for their uses.
Lesson Plan
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It's Happening, Where? Find the Absolute and Relative Location of News Articles

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students read newspaper articles. In this social studies lesson, students locate the latitude and longitude of the location where the news article takes place. Students write a summary of the news article.
Lesson Plan
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A River Through Time

For Teachers 4th - 5th
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...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rivers that Flow from the Continental Divide: The Journey of Two Rivers

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Learners explore river routes. In this social studies lesson, students trace the route of a river from its source and discuss the Continental Divide. Learners draw the route the river takes and name the states it flows through. Students...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Where Did My Lunch Come From? A U.S. Regional Tour

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore the regions from which their food comes. In this social studies lesson, students identify the different agricultural products that are found in the major regions of the United States. Students create a lunch menu.
Lesson Plan
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Discovering the Physical Geography of Washington

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Pupils develop a mental map of the state of Washington and draw it on paper. Using the Virtual Atlas, they identify the physical features of the state and draw them on their map. They also examine the populations and diversity of the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

From Bolls to Bolts

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders explore the economic effects of the colonization of North America. In this Social Studies lesson plan, 5th graders examine the economic  and cultural results that occurred due to North America entering the market....
Lesson Plan
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Utah's Own

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders examine the effects of humans on the environment. In this Social Studies lesson, 4th graders analyze human changes to the environment. Students explore the actions and effects at a community level.
Lesson Plan
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Clothesline Sleuth

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders investigate the origins of clothing production. In this Social Studies lesson, 6th graders examine the components of agriculture involved in making clothes. Students research cotton.
Lesson Plan
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Cardinal Directions

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Students explore cardinal directions. In this social studies instructional activity, students create maps of home and school using the cardinal directions.
Lesson Plan
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Number the Stars

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students read Number the Stars. For this social studies lesson, students read the story and use a map of western Europe and identify the countries involved in the war. Students locate the cities of Denmark that are discussed in the story.
Lesson Plan
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African life VS American life: Food and 3rd World and 1st World counties

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders explore the difference in 3rd world and 1st world countries. For this social studies lesson, 3rd graders are divided into groups and given varying amounts of food. Students discuss the unfair distribution of the food....
Lesson Plan
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Social Studies: Ancient China

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders examine the contributions and influences of dynasties on Chinese history. They role-play as citizens during selected dynasties and write daily autobiographical entries. Students complete projects on the geography,...
Lesson Plan
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World Map and Globe - Four Main Directions

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Students study the four main directions on a map. In this map lesson, students locate the North and South pole, and learn the four cardinal directions. They use the compass rose on a map to help with the directions. (Map is not included...
Lesson Plan
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Capturing the Reader With Vivid Images

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine how the author tries to capture the reader's imagination immediately, through imagery--and hold on to it. They locate Ukraine on a world map and understand Lenin's role in the establishment of Russian communism and the...
Lesson Plan
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Maps Can Help Us

For Teachers 1st
First graders explore the geography of Montana by analyzing geographic maps of the area. In this Native American reservation lesson, 1st graders discuss the similarities and differences between reservations in the state of Montana....
Lesson Plan
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Countries of the World

For Teachers K - 3rd
Learners identify countries on a world map. In this map skills lesson, students define the word "country" and use post-it notes to locate several countries on a world map.
Lesson Plan
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Geography Golf

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students practice their knowledge of states and capitals while at the same time working on motor skills. This activity also promotes working together in small groups.
Lesson Plan
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Using Local Geography to Make Maps

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students research, create, and present a scale representation of the county in which they live.
Lesson Plan
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State Maps

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students work together in small groups to create a state map. They include specific details about the state. They share the information with the class and the map is hung on the wall.
Lesson Plan
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Native American Research

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students investigate an Native American tribal group. They conduct research using a variety of resources. The subject areas to focus on are religious life, history, social structures, economics, geography, and environment. Students...
Lesson Plan
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Community Centered Neighborhood Development

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders explore the culture of the neighborhood.  In this Social Studies lesson, 9th graders examine the different development sites in their community.  Students research the zoning regulations.