Curated OER
Radial Design Mandala
Students design original radial art designs.In this radial design lesson, students use compasses and a nature inspired idea to create radial art. Students understand the use of symmetry, balance and design shapes in continual patterns....
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
Maps as Models of Earth
Eighth graders use different types of maps to find locations and surface features. For this map-reading lesson students use a compass to find direction.
Curated OER
Map your Schoolyard
Young scholars 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
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
Plot Your Course
Students determine distance and direction on a nautical chart. In this nautical lesson, students identify obstacles and characteristics of common aid to navigation on a nautical chart.
Curated OER
Stellar Navigation
Students 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 identify...
Curated OER
Drake's West Indian Voyage 1588-1589
Learners 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. Learners create an...
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
Pupils 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 traffic...
Curated OER
Expanding Map Vocabulary
First graders name the vocabulary words in Navajo, Ute and Spanish for the cardinal directions.
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 activity, learners build an ammeter. That ammeter, or a pre-made one, is required in order to carry out this activity. The objective is for lab groups to design a way to connect solar cells that can recharge a battery....
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...
Curated OER
Making a Mountain Out of a Snow Hill: Skiing, Winter Sports, Economics, Business, Problem Solving
Students explore how to select among choices of variables and analyze the cost-benefit ratio of their short and long term planning in a team activity as they consider the planning and operation of a ski slope.
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
Relating Algebra to Geometry
Learners investigate the connection that exists between Algebra and Geometry. They classify two and three-dimensional figures. Pupils use formulas to solve problems in geometry and use appropriate measuring devices in the right contexts.