Lesson Plan
Society for Science & the Public

Easter Islanders Made Tools, Not War

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
When studying artifacts, especially tools, how do archaeologists determine what the devices were used for? In what ways might researchers' previous experiences influence their perception of an artifact? An article about researchers'...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

My Own Private Idaho; Using Social Studies to Explore Idaho

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Young scholars engage in several activities to explore Idaho and Social Studies themes. Using an variety of media, students become familiar with Idaho's geography and geology.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Let's Build a Map

For Teachers K
Students gain an understanding of maps while studying the map of the Louisiana Purchase and the trail of Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery. They demonstrate understanding of maps by creating a basic classroom map.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Using Old Maps as Tools to Explore Our World

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students explore historical maps. In this primary source analysis lesson, students uncover the meanings in selected historical maps as they use them to enhance lessons on historical events. Samples for classroom use are provided in this...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Map It!

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders demonstrate map making skills by using the computer to create maps of the geographic features, regions, and economy for their state.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Map Mystery

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders solve a map mystery. In this technology lesson plan, 2nd graders develop an awareness of maps and the symbols associated with maps as they the "Neighborhood Map Machine."
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Geography and Culture

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students explore African geography, study the overall continent of Africa and its individual countries, discuss demographics, and participate in research and class activities.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

As the Kids Come and Go: Mapping a Classroom

For Teachers K - 2nd Standards
Map the classroom with your kids to help them understand how maps work and how to read them. The lesson plan starts off with a story about animals living and moving around the globe, and then kids create maps of their classroom to show...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Geography of China (Tibet)

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders study the geography of Tibet. They create maps of Tibet. Students predict population, land area, water area and coastline length of the United States and Tibet. Students compare and contrast the day-to-day lives of people...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cartographer on Assignment: Creating a Physical Map of Africa

For Teachers 2nd - 12th
Students use geographic information to make an outline map of Africa, then demonstrate their understanding of the physical landscape of Africa by using a variety of materials to create a physical map of Africa
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mapping Perceptions of China

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students discuss what types of things are included on a map. They compare and contrast maps of China with a map they create and practice using different types of maps. They write analysis of their classmates maps.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Things That Stick Out Or: How To Find Your Way Around on a Map

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explain the meaning of and recognize the map outlines of a peninsula, an isthmus, and a cape.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Regents High School Examination: Global History and Geography, 2009

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Get your geographers thinking with this global history and geography standardized practice test. Class members respond to 50 multiple choice questions, 2 essay prompts, and 15 short answer questions that require them to review their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

World Map With Rain Forests

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
For this geography worksheet, students study a map of the world which shows shaded areas indicating where the rain forests are located. There are no labels for countries or continents.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Zabbaleen, Cairo's Garbage Workers

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Here is a fascinating human geography study of the Zabbaleen. They are a sub-class of people who work as garbage collectors in Cairo, Egypt. I can't say enough good things about this resource in my limited space here. It is fabulous! If...
Lesson Plan
Global Oneness Project

A Collapsing City Skyline

For Students 9th - 12th Standards
Have your high schoolers learn about the modern history of Myanmar by close-reading an article about the city and people of the city Yangon. As they'll learn, the country is going through some dramatic transitions. After...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Understanding: Geography

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Young scholars explore their neighborhoods. In this geography lesson, students make a map of their neighborhood. They must include a key, natural terrain, buildings and streets. They also write a descriptive paragraph about their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Place of My Own: A Study of Maps

For Teachers K - 2nd
Young scholars investigate maps. They demonstrate their knowledge about maps and place landforms in the proper place as they create salt dough maps. They create a geography folder as well.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Geography Puzzles

For Teachers 3rd - 12th
Learners study the continents of the world. In this Internet geography lesson, students connect to online mapping games. Learners collaborate in order to develop their understanding of world geography, including countries and capital...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

California Geography

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders explore geography of four distinct regions of California: mountains, coast, central valley, and desert. They locate California on map, identify state's boundaries and borders, and explore agriculture, a major economic...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

United States Map- Map Legend/City Symbols

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
Students investigate the United States map. For this map skills geography lesson, students explore city symbols on the map legend and identify them. Students use post-it notes to mark various symbols.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Map of Town

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders draw a map of the town given different sites to locate on the map by the teacher. They explain that latitude and longitude are used to locate places on maps and globes, identify the distinctive physical and cultural...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Charts, Maps, and Graphs Lesson on the Holocaust

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers practice interpreting data. In this Holocaust lesson, students research selected Internet sources and examine charts, maps, and graphs regarding the Jewish populations in and out of Europe. High schoolers respond to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

US City Quality of Life Analysis and Comparison

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Learners analyze US census data and criteria to compare and measure the quality of life in the country's fifty largest cities. After accessing the 2005 quality of life world report online, students conduct their study to compare three...