Teach Engineering
What is GIS?
Is GIS the real manifestation of Harry Potter's Marauders Map? Introduce your class to the history of geographic information systems (GIS), the technology that allows for easy use of spatial information, with a resource that teaches...
Teach Engineering
Searching for Bigfoot and Others Like Him
Individuals create a GIS data layer in Google Earth that displays information about where one might find seven different cryptids. The class members research to find data on cryptid sightings they can include in their data...
Curated OER
Arc GIS Project: Visualizing the Holocaust
A cross-curricular lesson for middle schoolers that covers language arts, social studies, geography, and math, this is a great extension activity if your class is reading The Diary of Anne Frank or learning about the Holocaust....
Teach Engineering
Projections and Coordinates: Turning a 3D Earth into Flatlands
Introduce your class to map projections and coordinates, the basics for the work done in a GIS, with an activity that uses Google Earth to challenge learners to think about the earth's shape.
Teach Engineering
Who Can Make the Best Coordinate System?
Working with a map that does not have a coordinate system on it, small, collaborative teams must come up with a coordinate system for their map. Groups then explain their coordinate structure to the class.
Curated OER
Is the Hudson River Too Salty to Drink?
Students explore reasons for varied salinity in bodies of water. For this geographical inquiry lesson, students use a variety of visual and written information including maps, data tables, and graphs, to form a hypothesis as to why the...
Curated OER
Teaching Modeling Water Quality
Students explore the basics of interpreting RUSS temperature and oxygen profile data. They are introduced to the Geographic Information Systems (GIS), particularly with respect to interpreting maps.
Teach Engineering
What's Wrong with the Coordinates at the North Pole?
Here is an activity that merges technology with life skills as individuals use Google Earth to explore the differences between coordinate systems and map projections. The self-guided worksheet is the fourth segment in a nine-part unit....
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
A Contouring We Go
Students examine the built environment and infrastructures of their community by constructing contour equipment, using the equipment, and comparing their results to current topographical maps of the same area
Curated OER
The Grand Excursion GPS Map
Eighth graders investigate the uses of a global positioning system. They create waypoints and have to find them using the system. Students must review the geographical concepts of latitude and longitude. The media requirements of the...
Curated OER
Home on the Range
Students use maps and mathematics to determine the appropriate panther population in a given area. In this Florida ecology lesson, students research the area requirements of male and female panther and use a map to help calculate how...
Curated OER
Matrix Analysis of Networks
Explore the connection between a finite graph, a directed graph, and a matrix. Graph lines and identify the relationship of matrices in real-world scenarios. Then use this information to work with a partner to plan and design a...
Curated OER
Cruisin' the Counties: Learning Counties and Major Roads in Arizona
Young scholars examine Arizona counties and use the themes of location and movement to develop an Arizona map.
Curated OER
Traveling Technology
Learners create a dream vacation. In this traveling technology instructional activity, student use the internet, travel brochures and maps to research and create a dream vacation. They determine the complete itinerary and the...
Curated OER
Biomimicry, Nature: Architecture of the Future
Learners explore the relationship between nature and architecture. In this cross curriculum history, culture, and architecture lesson, students observe and discuss structures visible in nature. Learners view websites in which Native...
Curated OER
Cookie Topography
Students construct a cross section diagram showing elevation changes on a "cookie island." Using a chocolate chip cookie for an island, they locate the highest point in centimeters on the cookie and create a scale in feet. After tracing...
Curated OER
Cartogram of the Great Compromise
Students create cartograms of populations during 1790.
Curated OER
Honing in on Hummingbirds
Students explore ruby-throated hummingbirds. In this cross-curricular hummingbirds lesson, students listen to the book The Mystery of the Missing Hummingbirds and choose related topics to research with a partner. Students draw or...
Curated OER
Give Me The C and D Canal!!!
Pupils estimate the distance from Baltimore to Philadelphia via the water route before the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal was built. Students study canals and how transportation and economic necessities dictate the building of a canal.