Curated OER
U.S. Mint Releases New Jefferson Nickel
Learners share their knowledge of Lewis and Clark, then read a news article about the redesign on the U.S. nickel to commemorate Lewis and Clark's expedition. Introduce the article with a discussion and vocabulary activity, then students...
Curated OER
U.S. and Canada: How are We the Same? How are We Different?
Get high school geographers to compare and contrast Canada and the United States. They begin by drawing a freehand map of North America, then complete readings to gain insight into Canada. The text is not provided; however, another text...
Curated OER
200 Years and Counting: How the U.S. Census Tracks Social Trends
Students examine the process of census taking in the United States. In this "200 Years and Counting" lesson, students examine the data collection process, look at an example of a census form, analyze data, and learn what the information...
Curated OER
Salmon Stories
Work on author's purpose with this lesson, which focuses on sequence of events and audience as well. Middle and high schoolers describe the 50 State Quarters Program for background information. After discussing the images on the...
Curated OER
Capitals, Oceans, And Border States
Students investigate geography by completing games with classmates. In this United States of America instructional activity, students examine a map of North America and identify the borders of Mexico and Canada as well as the Pacific and...
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Mapping the Most Common U.S. City Names
Students discuss the most common U.S. place names. They map the locations of U.S. cities with the most common names and use an atlas, or an online map tool such as MapQuest or Yahoo Maps.
Curated OER
Past and Present
Providing an interesting way to discuss the U.S. presidency, this lesson has learners compare George Washington to the current president. They listen to books about George Washington, discuss the current president, and complete worksheets.
Curated OER
The 50 States and its Holidays
Though the format of this ELL lesson is confusing (the standards listed are for plate tectonics, yet the objectives are for American geography and holidays), a teacher could glean some ideas from the main idea. Here, pupils complete a...
Curated OER
George Washington's Revolutionary Journeys
Students take a closer look at historical maps. In this American Revolution lesson plan, students examine the provided historical maps and documents to determine the assignments that George Washington assigned to subordinates during the...
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A Treaty Tail: U.S. - Indian Treaty Councils in the Northwest
Students view a painting as a document to find out about the Indian Treaty Councils. In this artist's perspective instructional activity, students study the conflicts as shown in various pictures. Students answer questions...
Curated OER
Mystery State #47
In this mystery state worksheet, learners answer five clues to identify the state in question. They then locate that state on a map.
Curated OER
Mapping Martin Luther King Jr.
Students examine geographic locations that were important in Martin Luther King Jr.'s life. They research Martin Luther King Jr., and create U.S. maps that show the locations important to him.
Curated OER
A Picture Book of George Washington
Students discuss the character traits of George Washington. In this George Washington lesson, students read A Picture Book of George Washington, discuss the book, and complete worksheet activities about Washington's self-discipline and...
Curated OER
Mystery State #51
In this mystery state worksheet, young scholars answer five clues to identify the state in question. They then locate that state on a map.
Curated OER
How Far Is It?
Students use a map key to estimate the distance from Salt Lake City, Utah, to ten other cities. Then they use an online distance calculator to see how close their estimates come!
Curated OER
Constitution Lesson Plan
Third graders identify roles of Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution in establishing new country, create posters with their ideas about each part of Constitution, and explain three branches of government, including their...
Curated OER
Looking at Landforms-Based on the Washington Quarter Reverse
Students use a Washington State Quarter to examine different landforms and discuss natural resources. After a class discussion on the items found on a Washington State quarter, students brainstorm a list of natural resources found in...
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The Geography of Europe
Students examine maps of Europe. For this geography skills lesson, students interpret several maps to determine the boundaries of the European Union and respond to assessment questions about the maps.
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Mystery State #7
In this mystery state worksheet, students answer five clues to identify the state in question. They then locate that state on a map.
Curated OER
Mystery State #8
For this mystery state worksheet, students answer five clues to identify the state in question. They then locate that state on a map.
National Gallery of Art
Islamic Art and Culture
Provided by the National Gallery of Art in Washington, this resource for teachers examines Islamic art, including calligraphy, arabesques, and geometric designs. A recounting of the spread of the faith and the tumultuous political...
National Museum of the American Indian
The A:Shiwi (Zuni) People: A Study in Environment, Adaptation, and Agricultural Practices
Discover the connection of native peoples to their natural world, including cultural and agricultural practices, by studying the Zuni people of the American Southwest. This lesson includes examining a poster's photographs, reading...
Curated OER
Territory and Statehood of Iowa
Fifth graders recognize the steps to create a territory, a district and a state. In this Iowa activity, 5th graders discuss the three capitals and their importance. Students recognize the key people in the development of...
Curated OER
President's Day: George Washington
Students celebrate President's Day by studying George Washingtion, the US flag, and the American colonies. They sing, Yankee Doodle Dandy.