Curated OER
Exploration of Scale Models
Students consider the concept of scale models. In this scale activity, students compare the sizes of various every day toys to the sizes of the larger objects they represent.
Curated OER
Map Work: How Far?
In this map scale worksheet, students analyze a map of an area with several towns marked. Students use the scale (1 cm = 1 km) to answer 6 questions about the distances between towns.
Curated OER
Finding Your Way Using Maps and Globes
Pupils identify the similarities and differences between different maps and globes. Individually, they create a map of their classroom along with a compass rose. They also practice reading maps as a class and finding specific locations.
Curated OER
Exploring Earth Through Maps and Technology
In this maps worksheet, students read 3 pages of detailed information about maps, latitude, longitude, topography, satellites and global positioning. Students then answer 10 questions. There is also a research project assignment available.
Curated OER
Me on the Map Lesson 1
Students use maps, globes, geographic information systems and other
sources of information to analyze the nature of places at a variety of scales. They identify on a map and determine the population
of the city, county, state, country...
Curated OER
Where Am I? Map Activity
In this map activity worksheet, learners determine which countries are shown on a set of 16 maps, then read facts about each country designed to help with a report on that country.
Curated OER
Land Use Over Time
Students view aerial photos and topographic maps of their local area. They compare and contrast major land use patterns over time by comparing these images to maps that are at least 50 years old. They analyze them using the four land use...
Curated OER
Map It With Pixie
Fourth graders use the computer program 'Pixie' to create a topographic, detailed map for the state they live in. In this mapping skills lesson, 4th graders use Pixie to make a map of their state that includes topographic features, state...
Curated OER
Drawing A Map
Students discuss any information they already know about maps. As a class, they draw a map of a park following written directions making sure to include a compass rose and key. They are graded based on a rubric and discuss the need for...
Curated OER
Rivers, Maps, and Math
Students use maps to locate and label the major rivers of North and South America. Using the internet, they identify forests, grasslands, mountain ranges and other landforms on the continents as well. They compare and contrast the...
Curated OER
How to Interpret a Map
In this social studies activity, students find all the important facts on a map. Students find any map and fill out the chart and answer 12 questions about what they find.
Curated OER
Tracing Highs and Lows in San Francisco
On a topographic map, students identify the scale bar, north arrow, and contour interval. They then locate a hill on the map and make note of the contour lines. Students then locate other places with similar contour line patterns....
Curated OER
Geography of South America
Student's identify geographic features of a South American map. They use the scale of the map to calculate distances between points. They identify examples of the five geographic themes on the map of South America.
Curated OER
Essential Elements of Habitat
First graders compare their local area with the Belize landscape. They construct maps of the school area, adding descriptive information. They write haiku poems about their favorite outside places.
Curated OER
Rivers Run Through It
Using a relief map of New York State, learners answer questions about the distance between different cities, identify bodies of water, and more. First, they discuss vocabulary related to the Hudson River area. Then, they complete a...
Curated OER
River Run Through It
With vocabulary lists, worksheets, and more, this lesson sets learners on an exploration of the Hudson River area. They read an essay about the area, analyze a relief map of New York State, and complete a worksheet.
Curated OER
Exploring the Hudson in 1609
While this lesson focuses on a study of the Hudson River, it could be used as a template for a discussion of map skills, converting measurements, and plotting a route. The lesson includes vocabulary and other resources to make it a...
Curated OER
Ancient Egypt Geography
Nine questions to answer and one map to read. Seventh graders will use the map of Ancient Egypt to practice map reading skills and build a visual image of Ancient Geography.
Curated OER
Science Jeopardy - The Earth Sciences
The earth sciences are the focus for this Jeopardy-style review game. Categories include geology, space, scientific investigation, meteorology, and oceanography. Diagrams and pictures are involved with most of the questions, making this...
Curated OER
once and future MOON
Beyond the phases of the moon, this comprehensive lesson plan covers geologic history and geology. Amateur astronauts examine photos of the lunar landscape, experiment with the creation of craters, and delve into information about the...
101 Questions
A Cyclist's Marriage Proposal
One cyclist goes to great lengths to make his proposal! Your classes must figure out just what length that is. Using a map with a bike route that spells out Marry Me, learners calculate the total distance of the ride. They base their...
It's About Time
Where are the Volcanoes?
Middle school geologists map the volcanoes closest to themselves, learn about map distortion, and infer possible future volcano locations. A focus on latitude, longitude, and volcanoes beneath the ocean helps connect the lesson.
Cornell University
Too Much of a Good Thing?
Continuing their study of beneficial insects, young entomologists discover where in the world some of these bugs are. By labeling, coloring, and using the scale on a map, pupils explore the territories and arrival of the Asian lady...
Curated OER
Earth's Water
If the majority of our planet is covered with water, why do we need to bother conserving it? With a thorough and varied investigation into the location and types of water on the earth, learners will gain an understanding of why this...