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Lesson Plan
Alabama Learning Exchange

Alex: Compass Skills Scavenger Hunt

For Teachers 6th - 8th
During this instructional activity young scholars take a reading with a compass and use the compass to reach multiple checkpoints. Students also demonstrate their knowledge by locating specific coordinates that spell out a phrase.
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Activity
Environmental Education for Kids

Eek!: Outdoor Safety: Reading a Compass and Orienteering

For Students 3rd - 5th
Explains how to use a compass to orient yourself outdoors.
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Article
A&E Television

History.com: 11 Innovations That Changed History

For Students 9th - 10th
From pioneering inventions to bold scientific and medical advancements, find out more about 11 innovations that changed the course of human history.
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Activity
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Measure the Earth's Field!

For Students 6th - 8th
You can use a bar magnet and a compass to get a rough idea of the strength of Earth's magnetic field. Read this article to find out how!
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Unit Plan
E-learning for Kids

E Learning for Kids: Math: Group of Pyramids: Capacity and Position

For Students 4th - 5th
On this interactive website students practice various math skills using a real life scenario at the pyramids. Those skills include comparing capacity of three or more containers, using compass directions to describe locations, and using...
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Website
American Museum of Natural History

American Museum of Natural History: O Logy: Stuff to Do: Create a Compass

For Students 3rd - 5th
Step-by-step illustrated instructions for building a compass and testing its accuracy.
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Website
Other

Family Education Network: Heavy Metal

For Students 3rd - 5th
An engaging site that provides interesting facts about magnets. Solve a problem and discover how to create a compass.
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Primary
Mariners' Museum and Park

Mariners' Museum: Education: Christopher Columbus: First Voyage

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource provides information about Christopher Columbus and his voyages.
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Activity
The Franklin Institute

Franklin Institute: Make Your Own Weather Station

For Students 9th - 10th
This page, provided by the Franklin Institute, shows you how to become an amateur meteorologist. Directions on how to construct a weather station include the barometer, hygrometer, rain gauge, weather vane, and compass.
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Lesson Plan
American Geosciences Institute

American Geosciences Institute: Earth Science Week: Find Your Bearing: Mapping

For Teachers 9th - 10th
In this exercise, students use compasses to make a map of the school's campus.
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Whiteboard
ClassFlow

Class Flow: Bearings

For Teachers 9th - 10th
[Free Registration/Login Required] In this lesson the students select appropriate tools (e.g. compasses and protractors) to measure angles and analyze bearings (N, E, S, and W).
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Whiteboard
ClassFlow

Class Flow: Bearings 2

For Teachers 9th - 10th
[Free Registration/Login Required] This is a flipchart introducing student to compass bearings. It can be followed by flipchart bearings going further in depth of bearing orientation.
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Whiteboard
ClassFlow

Class Flow: Bisecting Angles

For Teachers 3rd - 5th Standards
[Free Registration/Login Required] Sunshine State Standard: MA.C.3.3.1-1 You can bisect an angle by using a compass and a straight edge. This flipchart goes over definitions and the mathematical process of bisecting angles in a step by...
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Whiteboard
ClassFlow

Class Flow: Christopher Columbus

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
[Free Registration/Login Required] Students recognize why we celebrate Columbus Day as related to the story of Christopher Columbus. Students explore the route taken from Spain to the Americas and how long this voyage took by using a...
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Whiteboard
ClassFlow

Class Flow: Circle Vocabulary

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
[Free Registration/Login Required] This lesson lets students identify, draw, and measure parts of a circle. The lesson compliments 5th grade Harcourt Math, Lesson 23.4. Activote assessment is included at the end of the lesson.
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Whiteboard
ClassFlow

Class Flow: Compass Constructions

For Teachers 6th - 8th
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart provides the basic step-by-step guidance for making congruent constructions using a compass and a ruler.
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Whiteboard
ClassFlow

Class Flow: Gateway to the West

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
[Free Registration/Login Required] In this flipchart students coordinate locations using a compass rose.
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Whiteboard
ClassFlow

Class Flow: Introduction to Maps

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
[Free Registration/Login Required] Students are expected to: explain the purpose of a map; identify and use a compass rose; use a grid to locate objects on maps; and use a map key. Activities are hands-on with students manipulating...
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Handout
Math Is Fun

Math Is Fun: Constructing a Triangle With 3 Known Sides

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Students learn how to construct a triangle with three known sides using a straightedge and a compass. Includes an animated demonstration.
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Handout
Treehut

Suzy's World: Magnetism: Why Does a Compass Point North?

For Students 3rd - 5th
This fact sheet from Suzy's World and Suzy Cato explores how magnetism works, including "why a compass points north." Content includes fun facts, an experiment, and the ability to make your own compass.
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Activity
Oswego City School District

Regents Exam Prep Center: Basic Constructions

For Students 6th - 8th
This site gives a few tips when using a compass for the optimal drawing techniques.
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Handout
Science Struck

Science Struck: Devices Used to Measure Angles

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Looks at the many devices used to measure angles in academic settings and in real-world settings.
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Handout
Science Struck

Science Struck: How Does a Compass Work?

For Students 3rd - 5th
Explains what a magnetic compass is and how it works.
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Activity
Scholastic

Scholastic: Hunting for States, Capitals, and National Parks! [Pdf]

For Students 2nd - 3rd
Students can use a map of the United States to locate state capitals and national parks.