Curated OER
In Mr. Lincoln's Shoes
Students demonstrate basic map skills. In this US history lesson, students review cardinal directions and use a compass rose while at the same time discuss what life was like for Abraham Lincoln.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Project Ideas: Using Plants to Determine Direction
Don't get lost in the woods. In this plant biology science fair project, students will investigate whether the location of moss growth on trees is a good way to determine cardinal direction. The Science Buddies project ideas are set up...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Cardinal Directions | Activity Starter
A thorough interactive program helping students to understand the cardinal directions.
Geographyiq
Geography Iq
Detailed geographical information on any country is available at this site. Within the World Map section, you can get facts and figures about each country's geography, demographics, government, political system, flags, historical and...
Utah Education Network
Uen: Expanding Map Vocabulary
First graders will be able to name the vocabulary words in Navajo, Ute, and Spanish for the cardinal directions.
E-learning for Kids
E Learning for Kids: Science: Antarctica: What Is Position and Reference Point?
With all the snow and ice in Antarctica, it's easy to get lost. Help Tim find his way using a map and a compass.
HotChalk
Hot Chalk: Lesson Plans Page: Edible Geography
Lesson that helps students understand geography of states by creating an edible map of the state, using real food to indicate parts of the state.
Online Learning Haven
Finding Your Way: How to Read a Compass
A great explanation on what a compass is and how to read one. After the explanation, a step-by-step guide to drawing your own compass is given.
US Mint
United States Mint: In Mr. Lincoln's Shoes [Pdf]
Using the study of President Abraham Lincoln as a guide, students demonstrate basic map skills including cardinal directions and how to use a compass rose.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Where Is Here?
In this instructional activity, young scholars are shown the very basics of navigation. The concepts of relative and absolute location, latitude, longitude and cardinal directions are discussed, as well as the use and principles of a map...
Utah Education Network
Uen: Lesson Plan: Fairy Tale Maps
Lesson designed to introduce maps and the cardinal directions. After listening to the teacher read aloud or tell the story of Little Red Riding Hood, students retell the story and use cutouts of landmarks and arrows to create a map of...
SMART Technologies
Smart: Geography Unit: Maps
This geography unit is designed to follow the 1st Grade geography skills required in Virginia. Students are expected to use cardinal directions, read map keys and understand map symbols, as well as identify our city and capital.
National Geographic
National Geographic: Cardinal Directions and Maps
What are the cardinal directions and how are they used? Discover them and practice using them to find places on maps.
US Geological Survey
Usgs: Learning Directions on a Map (Lesson Plan)
This site provides a lesson plan in which students will learn to use north, south, east, and west to identify relative locations and provide directions.
National Geographic
National Geographic: Getting Lost
The National Geographic Society provides this lesson on cardinal directions for primary students that employs common classroom materials.
PurposeGames
Purpose Games: Cardinal Directions
Play this game to test your knowledge on cardinal and intermediate directions.