Curated OER
Topographic Maps
Students complete a worksheet about topographic mapping. In this map skills lesson, students examine the features and discuss the uses for topographic maps.
Curated OER
Incorporating Literature into Social Studies Teaching and Learning
Students engage in a study of incorporating literature into the Social Studies classroom. They review a variety of literature sources and then create a bulletin board with the information. Then students practice using the Reader's...
Curated OER
My World
Young scholars study maps. In this social studies lesson, students draw a map of either their room at home or the route they take to school. Young scholars label items on their maps.
Curated OER
We're on the Map!
Students identify a variety of topographic map symbols. They make generalizations about an unidentified community by reading and interpreting map symbols.
Curated OER
The Places We Will Go
Second graders demonstrate basic map skills. They each bury a bag of chocolate coins, create a map with directions to find their "treasure," and follow another student's directions to locate a bag of coins.
Curated OER
We're Gonna Have A Party
First graders explore map skills. They discuss the map vocabulary and use directions to find a location on a map. Students discuss and use the components of a map to answer a variety of questions. They use the map and directions to find...
Curated OER
Our World With MapsQ
Learners examine and compare different types of maps. In this map skill lesson, students look at neighborhood and national maps on the overhead projector while making comparisons of the symbols and locations. They use a T-chart to record...
Curated OER
Learning About Maps
Students take a "field trip" with the teacher through the school then draw a diagram of what they saw. They bring the maps to the computer lab where they create electronic maps using the software program Neighborhood Map Machine.
Curated OER
From Claws to Jaws: Atlantic Regions of the United States
Students explore New England, Mid-Atlantic, and southeastern regions of the United States. In this social studies thematic unit, students research a state and make a regional quilt. Students wrte a book report and read two novels whose...
Curated OER
Where Am I: How to Read a Map
Third graders develop an understanding of maps. They explore what a map is, who uses maps, and how to use maps. Students investigate the compas rose. They create a compose rose which illustrates the cardinal directions. Students practice...
Curated OER
An Archaeological Adventure in Athens
Students review map skills and practice finding locations on a map. In groups, they create maps with mystery locations identified by hidden stick-on magnets. Other groups attempt to find the mystery locations and then check their work...
Center for History and New Media
Slavery and Free Negroes, 1800 to 1860
What was life like for enslaved and free black people before the American Civil War? Explore the building tension between states and the freedom of individuals with a thorough social studies lesson. Learners of all ages explore primary...
Curated OER
Just an Ordinary Day
Young sociologists identify how technology has impacted the traditional culture of Romania as they read and discuss "Just an Ordinary Day'" by Nina Porzucki. A lesson encourages learners to study Romania's history and present, including...
VT FEED
The Origins of Civilization and Agriculture: Integrating the Study of Food
What role has food played in the rise and changing nature of civilizations? Here you'll find a fantastic set of lessons and materials on such topics as where food is grown in the United States, the food of ancient peoples,...
University of Richmond
The Overland Trails 1840-1860
What led Americans to head west in the 1800s? Using an interactive map and journals from those who traveled, pupils explore the stories of those who migrated. In addition, they see how the numbers fluctuated in response to the push-pull...
Student Handouts
Christopher Columbus Workbook
Youngsters gain ample reading comprehension practice while studying the history of Christopher Columbus with this great workbook! It includes word puzzles and comprehension checks of multiple assessment styles, including multiple choice,...
Star Wars in the Classroom
Star Wars Geography Unit
What kind of animals live on an ice planet like Hoth? How would the habitat on Tatooine allow different organisms to thrive? Connect social studies, science, and Star Wars in one engaging activity that focuses on the ecosystems of the...
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum
Red States/Blue States: Mapping the Presidential Election
Young historians investigate how voting patterns have changed by comparing the outcome of the 1960 election to the outcome of the recent election. A creative final assessment has participants making a news show wherein they provide...
New York State Education Department
US History and Government Examination: August 2016
Multiple-choice and essay questions test comprehension, writing ability, and skills with primary source analysis. The comprehensive exam covers many different subjects including the United States census, Constitution, and important...
University of Richmond
Mapping Inequality: Redlining in New Deal America 1935-1940
Redlining—or the practice of racial discrimination in housing loans—directly led to today's segregated living patterns in America. Using data from the federal Home Owners' Loan Corporation, classmates visualize the impact of policy on...
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
Archaeology- State Map
Students study state maps. In this map skills lesson, students identify the states' location and how to use a legend. Students complete photocopies of the state map.
Curated OER
Simple Route Map
Students demonstrate how to locate features on a Landscape Picture Map. In this map skills lesson, students locate and circle places where they would go to mail a letter, return a library book, or play a baseball game.
Curated OER
Lesson Design Archaeology- USGS Maps
Students research USGS maps and identify the major features. In this map skills lesson, students identify low and high elevations on a USGS map and practice finding latitude and longitude.