Curated OER
Learning Directions on a Map
Students use north, south, east, and west to identify relative locations and provide directions.
West Corporation
Making Inferences – Use Your Mind to Read!
How can you tell if someone is happy? The lesson works with elementary and middle school scholars to activate their schema and pay attention to details to make inferences in their daily lives, poetry, and other literature. Cleverly...
Childnet International
Crossing the Line: Sexting
Technology may be changing every day, but peer pressure remains difficult for teenagers to resist. After watching a video about feeling pressured to text provocative pictures, middle schoolers learn about the laws and school policy...
Curated OER
Radial Design Mandala
Young scholars design original radial art designs.In this radial design lesson, students use compasses and a nature inspired idea to create radial art. Young scholars understand the use of symmetry, balance and design shapes in continual...
Curated OER
Space Science:Wherever You Go, There You Are
Students explore navigation principles by observing, measuring, and interpreting data to determine locations. Using a compass, compass rose, and a transit, they plot courses and discover the workings of the Global Positioning System...
Curated OER
Geometric Construction
Seventh graders investigate some concepts associated with geometric shapes. They study the bisector segment and the perpendicular line to a given line. Students conduct analysis with the goal of deepening observation and deduction...
Curated OER
Let's Play Geography Twister
Students practice geography skills by playing a game based on Twister. Students manipulate their position on a map by placing their arms and legs on the appropriate state or country called out by the teacher.
Curated OER
Map your Schoolyard
Pupils practice their mapping skills by creating an accurate map of their schoolyard using an aerial photo from the National Map web site. Students include legends, a scale, and a north arrow on their maps.
Curated OER
Maps as Models of Earth
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.
Curated OER
I Know Where You Are!
Students study what a GPS is and use it to challenge themselves and find positions on a map. In this investigative lesson students find various points on a map using a GPS system and answer questions on a worksheet.
Curated OER
The Ridge Exploring Robot
Students study about an autonomous underwater vehicle and explain the strategies that it uses to locate and map hydrothermal vents. In this marine navigation lesson students design a program for an AUV survey.
Curated OER
Mathematics of Ornaments and Architecture
Students study African traditional architecture. They examine how African ornaments, wall painting and motifs use geometric shapes to express and explain the culture.
They discuss the ornaments and architectural designs in the setting...
Curated OER
Stellar Navigation
Middle schoolers are introduced to the concept of stellar navigation. Inside a portable digital planetarium they identify various stars that were used as a navigational tool. They go through several activities in which they attempt to...
Curated OER
Drake's West Indian Voyage 1588-1589
Young scholars investigate several maps detailing Sir Francis Drake's voyages. In this geography instructional activity, students practice reading maps and locating the precise locations of where Sir Francis Drake visited. Young...
Curated OER
Investigating Pot Sherds
Sixth graders measure pot sherds and use their knowledge of Pi to infer possible uses of pottery. They also infer possible functions of ancient ceramics. After tracing rounded pottery pieces onto paper, 6th graders use compasses to...
Curated OER
You Are Here
Students simulate a course with and without a guide as if they were an airplane with and without air traffic control. They read and discuss the article "For Airlines, Hands-On Air Traffic Control". They discuss challenges that air...
Curated OER
How Did This Happen?
Students use websites and discussion to investigate the 2004 Asian Tsunami. Students identify the Indian Ocean coastline's physical, political and human geography features and consider how they affected loss of life and property in those...
Curated OER
Visual Arts
Fourth graders study the stained glass produced for the Gothic cathedrals, needlework, castles, and tapestry of the Middle Ages.
Curated OER
Outdoor Education
Students participate in various outdoor activities to teach them about the environment. In this outdoor education lesson plan, students participate in activities such as compass direction, conservation, forestry, wildlife, and...
Curated OER
Mapping a Site Using a Coordinate Plane
Learners map their playground as if it were an archeological site. They locate objects on the playground and determine their location using coordinate points. A related lesson is Coordinate Grid: Mapping an Archeological Site.
EngageNY
Square Roots
Investigate the relationship between irrational roots and a number line with a resource that asks learners to put together a number line using radical intervals rather than integers. A great progression, they build on their understanding...
Mascil Project
Parachute Food Drop
Drop a perfect project into your lesson plans. Groups use different building materials to create models of parachutes for food drops. After testing out their prototypes, they make improvements to their designs.
Curated OER
Solar Kit Lesson #6: Solar-Powered Battery Charger
In a previous lesson plan, learners build an ammeter. That ammeter, or a pre-made one, is required in order to carry out this lesson plan. The objective is for lab groups to design a way to connect solar cells that can recharge a...
Curated OER
Investigation of Pot Sherds
Fourth graders review their prior knowledge on the concept of pi. Using broken pieces of pottery, they calculate the circumference from a section of the circle. In teams, they compete against one another to get the most accurate...