National Geographic
National Geographic: Mapping the Classroom
Learning to use and create maps builds students' spatial thinking skills as well as language skills in the early years. In this instructional activity, students practice using the language of location and then apply that language when...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: United States History Map: Colonists
Use these interactive maps to see and read about the colonization of the New World by several European nations. When you are finished looking at the maps, test your skills with the European Colonies Challenge.
University of Texas at Austin
Ut Library Online: Historical Maps of the United States
This extensive collection of Historical United States maps from the University of Texas Library Online cover early inhabitants, exploration and settlement, territorial growth, military history, and later historical maps. These maps are...
Read Works
Read Works: Learn About Maps
[Free Registration/Login Required] Intended to support early elementary students' reading comprehension, the basic terminology associated with map are explained in this informational text. A question sheet is available to help students...
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: The Remarkable Star Map of Simeon De Witt
Simeon de Witt created his star map in 1780 after studying European star maps and the skies. His is the 'oldest surviving Anglo-American star map.' Read about the history of star maps, a biography of Simeon de Witt, and the influence his...
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: New France
An overview of New France, from the time the French first began to explore the area until they ceded Canada to the British (Treaty of Paris, signed in 1763). Includes a discussion of the founding of Quebec City and early maps of the...
Read Works
Read Works: This Is North America
[Free Registration/Login Required] Intended to support early elementary students' reading comprehension, geographical information about North American is provided in this informational text. Questions that assess multiple reading skills...
Wisconsin Historical Society
Wisconsin Historical Society: Increase Lapham
Increase Lapham was an early naturalist and engineer who catalogued many effigy mounds and native plant species of Wisconsin, along with the climate and the geology. He also drew early maps of the state. He also helped establish many...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: Reading and Writing About Miss Moo
Lesson for early elementary and special education students utlizing the book Miss Moo Goes to the Zoo by Kelly Graves and graphic organizers to identify elements in a story (title, author, setting, characters, etc.). Students participate...
Library of Congress
Loc: Drake's West Indian Voyage 1588 1589
While studying early American exploration pupils will view the maps Sir Francis Drake used in his attacks of the Spanish in the New World. This lesson plan makes use of primary source maps to help the students learn how to analyze them.
George Mason University
Chnm: Differences Among Colonial Regions
Learners will explore the differences among the three colonial regions of New England, Mid-Atlantic/Middle, and the Southern colonies. In small groups for each region, students will observe and note details of pictures, maps, and...