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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Scaling it Down: Caves Have Maps, Too

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Measurement and map skills are the focus of this lesson, where learners crawl through a "cave" made out of boxes, desks and chairs, observing the dimensions.  Your young geographers measure various aspects of the cave and practice math...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mapmaker, Mapmaker, Make Me a Map

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Second and third graders practice with basic map skills. They create their own map including a legend and a compass rose. This fabulous plan has many excellent websites linked which allow learners to explore maps of all kinds; including...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Basic Mapping Skills

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Establish and study the parts of a map with your class and, then they will work in small groups to create their own detailed map, including a legend.  There are specific instructions to follow on what needs to be included.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Map Adventures

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students explore the relationship between a scale drawing and actual distance. For this mapping lesson, students use an amusement park map to determine distances and what they would be like in real life.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Map Making/Floor Plans/Map Reading

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students apply their knowledge of scale when mapping the classroom. They determine the use of a map legend and orient a map using a compass. They create the classroom maps using transfer graph paper.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Map of the Big Race

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students read a novel and practice putting the events into the correct sequence. Using the text, they create a map showing the events of the race in order and a legend. They must use vocabulary from previous chapters and make their map...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Map Scale and the Pioneer Journey

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders, using a map, ruler and calculator, determine the distance the pioneers traveled from Nauvoo, Ill. to the Salt Lake Valley.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Map Your House

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Students are introduced to the concepts of maps as scale models of the whole. After a brief lecture on creating and using an accurate scale when drawing and reading a map. They create a scale drawing of the floorplan of their homes.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploring the Hudson in 1609

For Teachers 4th - 6th Standards
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...
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Lesson Plan
National Geographic

Measuring Elevation Past and Present

For Teachers 6th - 12th Standards
After viewing a short video about a climb up Mount Everest, high schoolers read about triangulation for measuring distant elevations. Have your class work in groups to construct an inclinometer and then use it to measure the height of...
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Bermuda Triangle: Map Activity

For Students 4th - 5th
In this Bermuda triangle worksheet, students complete a set of 4 questions using a given map of the Bermuda triangle. Answers are included on page 2.
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Unit Plan
Curated OER

Spatial Connections

For Teachers 1st - 4th
Students use maps, scales, and describe locations in order to learn about spatial sense. In this spatial sense lesson plan, students participate in many activities for this spatial sense unit that should last throughout the year.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cartography Project

For Teachers 1st - 8th
A instructional activity involving mapping, the use of a compass, writing and following directions, and exploring the first two themes of geography is here for you. Learners create original maps that show the routes they take through...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Math and Native Americans

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Pupils explore how math is relevant to Native Americans. Students investigate Indian culture through geometry. They describe and create geometric polygons and patterns. Pupils problem solve with tangram patterns to make Indian symbols...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Lesson 3: Seven Day Road Trip

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students plan a seven day road trip. In this travel lesson, students plan a driving trip that includes five major cities or attractions in Florida or another state of their choice. They show the trip on a map, calculate distances that...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Alaska Virtual Field Trip

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Students participate in an on-line virtual field trip to the state of Alaska. In this U.S. Geography lesson, students research several Internet sites dealing with travel to Alaska and activities to participate in. Students create story...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Weather Page: Comparing Data

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Young scholars analyze data from maps. In this comparing data lesson, students use comparative and superlative statements to draw comparisons among the weather in different American cities based on USA Today weather maps.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Legend of the Poinsettia

For Teachers Pre-K - K
Students explore the poinsettia and its symbolism as a Christmas flower. Students will listen to a story about the poinsettia and its origins in Mexico and discuss what they know about Mexico. They will discuss the poinsettia's...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Jelly Bean's Galore

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students investigate the origins of the Jelly Bean. They complete a Scavenger Hunt using the jellybean website. Pupils create a bar graph using information collected about jelly beans. Students discuss the time of year that Jelly Beans...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Map Scale and the Pioneer Journey

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders use a map, ruler and calculato to determine the distance the pioneers traveled from Nauvoo, Ill. to the Salt Lake Valley.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rescue!

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore movement and position concepts. They follow directions using left , right, up, down, North, South, East and West. Students draw and follow a path on a grid to show a route followed. They label and follow legends on a map.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cartography

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Learners follow directions to draw a map of an island. They complete the island map adding their own details using symbols and a legend.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Who Are the Aliens in Our Inland Seas?

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students work in teams to research specific landforms in Great Lakes Watershed, compile information into data table, and write legend explaining landform for children's book. Students then research area surrounding landform, compile...
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Lesson Plan
PBS

Home, Sweet, Home!

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students investigate the local history and architecture of their community. They draw maps, conduct Internet research, discuss varied architectural designs, take a walking tour of their town and work in teams to record their community's...