Smithsonian Institution
Lexington and Concord: Historical Interpretation
Learners view and analyze three different images related to the Battle of Lexington and Concord. They also answer a variety of questions in a graphic organizer to help keep the information straight.
Curated OER
Wow! You're Eating Geography
Young scholars examine patterns of food producing areas, and identify foods that are grown locally, in the U.S., and around the world. They map and graph the major food crops of their local area, the U.S., and other countries, and...
Curated OER
Does Hawaiian Agriculture Feed Hawaii's People?
Students research background information about Hawaiian agriculture in a variety of resources, then read and collect newspaper ads marketing local produce. They suggest food preparation ideas using local produce.
Curated OER
Then and Now, A Watershed in San Francisco
Students compare recent and historic maps to explore landscape changes. Using photos provided, students identify prominent features on the maps. They discuss differences in landscape, human impact on watershed, and changes in natural...
Curated OER
Sybil Ludington's Ride - a poem
Fourth graders examine the role a teen from the Hudson Valley played in the American Revolution. They view the map of Sybil's ride and calculate the distance using the map's legend.
Curated OER
Splish Splash
Students study drinking water. In this environment lesson, students draw the path of drinking water from the place of precipitation to the tap after researching a map and information from the United States Geological Survey water...
Curated OER
The Fabric of Our World
Middle schoolers discuss cultural diversity, and examine how the community reflects the cultural background of the inhabitants. They read the book, People, take a community walk, create a rainbow chart, and research other states for...
Center Science Education
Weather and Climate Data Exploration
Access local temperature data online, graph averages, and critique it. Learners listen to a scenario where weather and climate are confused, and then answer questions to differentiate the two. The lesson itself is compact, but there is a...
Curated OER
Condon National Bank
Use maps, readings, and photographs to analyze the historic, cultural, and social conditions surrounding the activities of the Dalton brothers and their gang. Learners identify how the residents of Coffeyville defended themselves against...
Curated OER
Charting Neptune's Realm: Profiles
Young scholars identify and describe the importance of nautical profiles in early navigation. They draw a profile of a street or mall and explore the effectiveness of different types of directions.
Curated OER
Chain Across the Hudson Lesson Plan A - Locating the Chain
Students read a letter from George Washington requesting them to identify on a map a location that would stop the advance of British warships. They choose a location and justify their choice.
Curated OER
Radio Program #3: Company Towns
Students analyze the characteristics of company towns. They locate former company towns on a map. Students classify the perspectives of residents of company towns. Creative writing unfolds within this lesson.
Curated OER
Gardens Throughout the World
Fourth graders study various aspects of gardens. In this garden lesson plan, 4th graders discover the location of famous gardens on a map. Students research historic gardens.
Curated OER
Population Density
High schoolers examine world population density and population distribution. They create pie charts showing population distribution and analyze population patterns in the United States and major regions of the world. They identify...
Curated OER
The Rigors of Learning a New Language
Pupils examine the experiences of a Peace Corps volunteer learning to speak Chinese. They read and discuss an essay written by the Peace Corps volunteer, analyze a map of China, and discuss the author's difficulties in learning the...
Curated OER
How Does Your Soil Stack Up?
Students examine the soil in their local area and create a soil profile. They record observations in the field and the classroom. They create their own display of the soil profile as well.
Curated OER
Invasives and Marsh Birds
Young scholars are taught that invasive plant removal can have a variety of impacts. They are shown this by using graphs. Students view maps of vegetation change on Iona Island. They discuss implications of changes on marsh birds using...
Curated OER
Where in My World Am I?
Students determine exactly where they are in the world by using a local map to write accurate directions to local eating establishments. They write precise directions from the school to their home which the teacher simulates driving to...
Curated OER
Mining Riches
Students research and map how various mining ventures have changed local geographies and populations. First they read the article provided--Examining the Environmental and Social Impact of the Mining Industry.
Curated OER
Countries of South America
Students focus on the geography of the countries of South America. Using a map, they identify the European countries who claimed the South American countries and research the influences they had on South America. To end the lesson,...
Curated OER
VAcations in Northern California
Students explore the natural resources and National Parks of Northern California that are commonly visited by people traveling in the United States. They use maps to locate various sites, plan a highway travel route and use the internet...
Curated OER
How Far Will You Go And How Much Will It Cost?
Students examine how places of various size function as centers of economic activity. They develop a list of things that families shop for, analyze a local map, create a chart demonstrating how far they travel for the items they listed,...
Curated OER
Mapping Lab and Lead Poisoning
Students are introduced to GIS and its uses. They make predictions before viewing the actual lead poisoning cases by location of Dade County. Pupils use actual Miami-Dade County spatial data to explore basic principals. Students
Curated OER
Investigation: The Local Bagel Shop
Sixth graders explore economics by solving business math problems. In this ratio and proportion activity, 6th graders examine different meals to be purchased at a coffee shop and compare which prices make which meals a better purchase....