The New York Times
Kiev in Chaos: Teaching About the Crisis in Ukraine
Provide a historical context for the political unrest between Russia and Ukraine that began in late 2013. Learners review their prior knowledge and chronicle new understandings with a KWL chart, watch a video explaining the Ukrainian...
US Mint
Symbols in My Eyes
Explore the hidden meanings behind the images on US currency with this elementary school lesson on symbolism. Starting with a class discussion about symbols, children go on to brainstorm different objects that represent the Unites States...
Curated OER
Beyond Demographics
Students study the culture of the Dominican Republic. In this Peace Corps lesson, students watch, "Destination: Dominican Republic." Students also examine primary source materials on the nation and discuss their findings.
Curated OER
Telecommunications and the Whole Language Program
Young writers use technology and other media to research information on a chosen topic. They explore countries where keypals and e-mail friends are located. Using their writing skills, they correspond with their e-mail friend and...
Curated OER
The Bread of the Sandwich
Students create relief maps of Canada and Mexico out of everyday objects like dried macaroni, dry rice, sand, etc. They create a clue card for a location game and try to stump their classmates. They host a travel fair to display their...
Curated OER
World Projections
Learners identify map projections and examine polar maps. In this map skills lesson, students use a flat world map to identify various projections and calculate the distances between locations by using a map scale.
Curated OER
Country Capitals
Students locate country capitals on a world map. In this map skills lesson, students review the definition of the word country and discuss what a capital is. Students locate and label capital cities on a world map using a map marker.
Curated OER
Take a Hike
In this geography skills instructional activity, students respond to 9 questions that require them to read topographic maps and interpret them. The topographic maps are not included.
Curated OER
Countries of the World
Students in a ESL classroom examine a world map and study the various countries' names. The study the cultures of selected countries and create a vocabulary list. Finally they label an empty map with the countries' names and a short...
Curated OER
Discovering New Mexico
Seventh graders discuss the elements of maps and using basic linear measurement. They calculate the distance between the cities and create a simulated journey around New Mexico using a road map. They write out the directions for their...
Curated OER
Mathematics of Cartography
Students practice their math skills as they explore maps. In this cartography instructional activity, students calculate distance, scale, coordinate systems, and projection as they work independently reading online maps.
Curated OER
Introduction to Symbols
Students study the concept of picture symbols as a way to express ideas without using words. In this picture symbol lesson, students place symbols on a U.S. map according to meaning. Students then review various symbols representing...
Curated OER
Introduction to the Globe
Young scholars investigate how to use a globe. In this map skills lesson plan, students define what a globe is and locate the various continents on the globe. Young scholars are also asked to locate the four oceans on the globe.
Curated OER
Taming the Mighty Dragon
Learners incorporate the five themes of geography to study the Yangtze river region. They analyze the possible effects of the three rivers gorge damn project on this area and role play a float the entire length of this dangerous river...
Curated OER
Solar Heating in the Himalayas
A fascinating lesson plan on how solar power is utilized by people who live in the Himalayas is here for you. In it, learners perform a case study which will help them understand that solar energy is a renewable resource, that geography...
Curated OER
Air Pollution in Mexico City
A fantastic lesson on urban air pollution problems throughout the world is here for you. Learners understand that there are many factors involved in creating pollution, that there are many health effects brought on by air pollution, and...
Curated OER
Itaipu Dam and Power Plant (Brazil and Paraguay)
Learners study South America's Itaipu Dam and Power Plant in order to gain an understanding that hydroelectric power is a major means of generating electricity throughout the world. They also look into the environmental impacts that...
Curated OER
Climb a Mountain, Raft a River on Your Own Land
Students are introduced to the characteristics of a map. As a class, they discuss the uses of public lands in their community and develop symbols for each feature. They use the symbols to create a map showing the recreational uses of...
Curated OER
Reading a Local and National Weather Map
Students practice reading a national and local weather map. Using this information, they work together to make predictions about the weather for the next few days. They discuss the use of symbols and maps as a class and discuss how...
Curated OER
She's All Over the Map
Students consider female authors and their literature. Working in partnerships, they research and map the life and work of a Nobel Prize-winning female author of their choice. Students write individual letters expressing their thoughts...
Curated OER
Whole Language Approach to Map Making
Fifth graders, after reading Island of the Blue Dolphins, explore map making using the Whole Language Approach.
Curated OER
Lesson 2: Mapping With Words
Students demonstrate an understanding of the personal relationship that Wabanaki peoples had with the land by analyzing selected Wabanaki place names. They practice map-reading and map-making skills.
Curated OER
Introduction to the United States Map
Students identify the United States of America and it's states on a map. In this mapping activity, students examine a globe and find the United States as well as a few land marks (Florida and the Great Lakes). Students then look at a...
Curated OER
Using Literature to Introduce the Five Themes of Geography
Learners listen to a read aloud of "If You Grew Up With Abraham Lincoln". Using the text, they identify examples of the five themes of geography and write them down. Using a map, they plot the places mentioned in the book and sort facts...