Smithsonian Institution
American Sabor Crossword
How much do you know about Latin American music? A crossword puzzle challenges learners to answer 24 questions about the history, genres, performers, and instruments of Latin American music.
Social Media Toolbox
Social Media Usage
Is there a difference in the way organizations present news via social media and in print? The third in a series of 16 lessons from The Social Media Toolbox explores news outlets and their delivery methods. Groups follow a story for a...
Curated OER
Road Trip
Students explore a state, create a travel plan for visiting that state, write postcards from an imaginary trip there, and research selected points of interest in that state.
Curated OER
State Report
Pupils create a state report/ presentation. They research U.S. state information using the Internet and retrieve information about specific topics (Individual States in the USA) using technology resources.
Curated OER
Lewis and Clark
Fourth graders research the Lewis and Clark expedition and the Corps of Discovery. They explore a variety of websites and complete a WebQuest, analyze maps, and answer comprehension questions. Students also write journal entries and...
Curated OER
Passport to the Eastern Hemisphere
Seventh graders create a time line of significant dates in the history of their nation. This requires students to examine the entire history of a country and make informed judgments based on their historical knowledge.
Curated OER
Give Me The C and D Canal!!!
Students estimate the distance from Baltimore to Philadelphia via the water route before the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal was built. Students study canals and how transportation and economic necessities dictate the building of a canal.
Curated OER
On the Road Again": Moving People, Products, and Ideas
In this lesson students learn how to identify modes of transportation and communication for moving people, products, and ideas from place to place. Students also study the advantages and disadvantages of different modes of...
Curated OER
History of Colorado-Migration to the West
Fourth graders identify reasons for people moving to the Colorado Territory and examine how moving in the 1800's is different than moving today. They also practice reading maps and gathering information from maps, as well as, describe...
Curated OER
Cultural Geography
In this Cultural Geography worksheet, students fill in answers to ten questions about cultural factors such as language and religion without using a word bank.
Curated OER
Exploring the USA and the World with Cartograms
Students investigate cartograms in order to explore the different countries on Earth. In this world geography lesson, students use the Internet to analyze data on different cartograms. Students compare data, such as population density,...
Curated OER
Severe Weather
Ninth graders investigate the cause and effect of severe weather. In this Earth Science instructional activity, 9th graders use a learning contract and a rubric to develop a presentation about severe weather.
Curated OER
Mapping Perceptions of China
Pupils 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.
Curated OER
Geography of the Study of the Spanish-speaking People of Texas
Students identify the physical features, demographic characteristics, and history of the four Texas towns featured in Russell Lee's photo essay, "The Spanish-Speaking People of Texas." They conduct Internet research, and create a travel...
Curated OER
Fantastic Flying Journey
Third graders listen to a teacher reading of the "Fantastic Flying Journey." students research each country/continent using the Internet and creating a travel journal.
Curated OER
Louisiana and Canada: Understanding Acadian Cultural connections
Ninth graders investigate why Acadians moved to Lousiana. In this geography lesson plan, 9th graders research the migration of Acadian to Louisiana and how that influenced the culture. Students analyze a list of cultural...
Curated OER
Factors Contributing To the U.S. Dominance of the Pacific Northwest
Students examine the painting Columbia by John Gast. They discuss the concept of Manifest Destiny and the role of different groups (miners, missionaries, fur trappers, farmers, etc.) in the Americanization of the West. In groups, they...
Curated OER
The School: School Culture Across Louisiana
Students identify and research school customs and folk groups through discussion and interviews. Then they identify and learn that traditional culture exists within other cultural contexts, such as the academic world of school, and in...
Curated OER
Elbow Room - Exploring Population Density
In this population instructional activity, students click on the links and research the internet about population, land, and government. Students answer 16 short answer questions including making spreadsheets.
Curated OER
Walk in My Shoes
Students discover how culture, geography and history affect how someone views an area of the world. They role play the role of a Palestinian, Jew or Briton and examine how they felt about Israel during its formation. To end the lesson,...
Curated OER
Wright Brothers Centennial: North Carolina, Creation and Development of the State
Eighth graders examine technological advances and how they influenced the quality of life in North Carolina. Using maps, they locate the city of Kitty Hawk and discuss why it was chosen for the first flight. They read primary source...
Curated OER
Route 66 And Population Patterns
Learners investigate the geography located along Route 66. They research how the population patterns change in certain areas along the highway. Students use the information in order to form hypotheses about how and why the population...
Curated OER
Introduction to the Virtual Atlas
Students use an atlas online to gather information about the state of Washington. Individually, they practice using the database and researching specific items in the Pacific Northwest. They complete a quiz to end the instructional...
Curated OER
What is the Population Distribution of Cartoon Characters Living On the Pages of Your Newspaper?
Students read various cartoons in their local newspaper and calculate the population demographics, spatial distribution and grouping of the characters. Using this information, they create a population distribution map and share them with...