Institute for Geophysics
Understanding Maps of Earth
Here is your go-to student resource on primary geography concepts, including facts about the surface of the earth and its hemispheres, latitude and longitude, globes, types of maps, and identifying continents and oceans.
Curated OER
Globe Lesson 7 - Parallels and Meridians - Grade 6+
In this parallels and meridians worksheet, students read a 2-paragraph review of parallels and meridians and respond to 7 short answer questions.
Curated OER
Planet Earth
Learners explore and analyze data from different maps in order to explain geographic diversity among the continents. Student groups research continents' physical features and examine how they contribute to quality of life for inhabitants.
Curated OER
The Mind Map
Learners form a mental map of their residence in relation to school and recreate it on paper showing distance, direction, location and symbols. This lesson is designed to introduce students to geographic thinking.
Curated OER
Magical Maps
Second graders discuss the importance of using maps and how they are used. After they listen to a folktale, they develop their own story line maps and write their own folktale to accompany a map. They also identify and locate the seven...
Compton Unified School District
How Can We Locate Places?
How can we locate places? Maps, of course! Expose second graders to the tools available in maps and discuss how these tools can help people find locations. Students also look at communities, including what makes a community and the...
Curated OER
Finding Magnetic Fields of Earth
Fifth graders, in groups, create paper bag "globes", complete with magnetic poles. They use compasses to determine and label various locations (N. and S. Poles, Prime Meridian, Equator, etc.) and finish it by drawing in the continents...
Curated OER
Parallels and Meridians
In this parallels and meridians worksheet, students read about parallels and meridians and answer questions about lines of latitude and longitude. Students complete 8 problems.
Curated OER
Where Am I, and How Do I Get Where I am Going?
Students describe geographical places through art, music, writing, and math. They compile information in booklets which may be published.
Curated OER
Where Am I: How to Read a Map
Third graders develop an understanding of maps. They explore what a map is, who uses maps, and how to use maps. Students investigate the compas rose. They create a compose rose which illustrates the cardinal directions. Students practice...
Curated OER
Determining the Time of an Earthquake
In this earthquake worksheet, students will study a table showing the travel times of seismic waves from an earthquake. Students will use this information to determine when and where the earthquake occurred. This worksheet has 6 short...
Curated OER
Maps Reinforcement
In this map worksheet, students complete 6 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions about 3 different map figures.
Curated OER
Tidal Forces-Let'er Rip!
For this tidal forces worksheet, students read about the gravitational pull from the moon that causes the ocean tides. Students solve 3 problems including finding the Roche or the tidal radius for the Earth and Moon, comparing the Roche...
Curated OER
Getting to the Core of World and State Geography
Students create topography relief maps. In this geography skills lesson, students review geography core knowledge skills, design and make a state relief map, and compile a student atlas.
Curated OER
Community Culture Trunk
Second graders examine the similiarities and differences between the various cultures represented in their class. After being read a story about immigration, they identify things they would have to bring with them if they were moving to...
Curated OER
Globe Lesson 17 - Alaska and Hawaii - Grade 4-5
Students develop their globe skills. In this geography skills lesson, students explore the area added to the United States when the Alaskan territory was purchased from Russia.
Curated OER
Trigonometry in Action
Students examine how to apply the principles of trigonometry in authentic measurement situations. They work in groups to determine the height of an object such as a flag pole by determine the angle from their position to the top.
Curated OER
Latitude and Longitude- Online Interactive
In this maps worksheet, learners learn about longitude and latitude by reading a two paragraph text and studying two maps. Students answer 9 fill in the blank questions. This is an online interactive worksheet.
Curated OER
New Pen at the Zoo
Students create two drawings for a new animal pen design at the zoo. They must draw the ideas keeping the amount of material available in mind. They compare and contrast their two designs and write how they are similar in perimeter and...
Curated OER
May We Present Planet Earth?
Students draw a map to scale. They illustrate knowledge of how to use DOGS TAILS on a map. Students identify the main parts of a map. They identify and illustrate the major features necessary for sustaining a quality of life for a society.
Curated OER
On the Road Again": Moving People, Products, and Ideas
In this lesson learners 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...