Curated OER
Virtual Vacation
Learners are members of teams traveling and exploring the Pacific States Region of the United States via the Internet. Each team travels virtually to its destination to become experts on geography, history, tourism, nature, and economics.
Curated OER
US Immigration
Students examine the history of immigration in the United States. Using primary source documents, they identify the areas of origin for people settling in Minnesota and describe the push and pull factors that brought them there. They...
Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media
Differences Among Colonial Regions
Classes look at and analyze primary source images to explore the differences between the colonial regions during the Revolutionary era. They break into groups to tackle each region and then present their findings to the class. A final...
Curated OER
Social Studies: Great Circle Route
Students compare routes between Minnesota and China using a map and globe. Using the "great circle route" method, students find the shortest route between two points.
Curated OER
The Emerald Necklace: Boston's Green Connection
This lesson could be used in U.S. history, social studies, and geography courses in units on urban expansion in the late 19th century or city planning.
Curated OER
China is Unique
Sixth graders study the culture of China by comparing it to that of the United States. They write all questions and notes in a journal. The students access the internet to obtain the information and internet sites are suggested in the...
Curated OER
A Study of the United States of America
Students research information about each of the fifty states. They locate information using both the Internet and CD Roms and create databases using the research information. They insert graphics in a multimedia presentation using the...
Curated OER
Tactics in the Persian Gulf: From Diplomacy to Force
Students trace the United States' involvement in Iraq from 1991 to today. They interpret a map of Iraq, evaluate possible causes and effects of events. They participate in, collect and analyze a poll regarding the next steps the US...
Curated OER
The Arkansas State Flag
Young historians take a look at the history of the Arkansas state flag. Pupils color, cut, and paste together their own versions of the flag. They learn about the meaning of the flag's colors, and what the various symbols on the flag...
Curated OER
Using Google Squared to Compare and Contrast Canada and the US
Sixth graders compare and contrast Canada and the United States. In this geography skills instructional activity, 6th graders use Google Squared to research information so that they may compare the geography of Canada and the United States.
Curated OER
It's All Greek to Us
Students examine the various ways in which ancient Greek culture has influenced modern-day life. They study the context in which modern-day Greeks consider the 2004 Summer Olympics by reading and discussing the article "Where It All...
Curated OER
History and Geography: Making a New Nation
Fifth graders examine the contributions of the different groups that built the American Nation. They identify the successive waves of new immigration, explain their attraction to America, and study the importance of Ellis Island.
Population Connection
The Carbon Crunch
Carbon is in the air; should we care? Teach the class why it is important to pay attention to carbon levels and how the world population and various countries across the globe affect the carbon levels in the atmosphere. High schoolers...
Smithsonian Institution
Borders with the World: Mexican-American War and U.S. Southern Borderlands
The Mexican-American War created social borders—not just physical ones. Scholars learn about the effects of the Mexican-American War on the people living in the borderlands using text excerpts, maps, and partnered activities. Academics...
School Improvement in Maryland
Demographic Investigation
What are the factors that influence voting patterns? How do these factors influence government funding? Is participation the squeaky wheel gets the grease? Class members interpret graphs and analyze trends to determine what demographic...
Curated OER
Rivers and Streams
Learners research the rivers, streams and water bodies of Hawaii. They read a variety of books, play Bingo with water-related terms, create and maintain water-themed journals, view videos, conduct Internet research and participate in a...
Curated OER
Where People Start Communities
Explore the difference between man-made and natural features in nature with your students. While not an in-depth look at this topic, it would be a way to introduce this communities in your classroom.
Curated OER
Regions of Virginia
In this geography worksheet, 5th graders identify the regions of the state of Virginia and sort them according to location. Then 10 questions focus upon the specifics of different regions.
Curated OER
New England Jeopardy
Jeopardy style games are fun ways to help learners review for tests or solidify concepts recently covered in class. This Jeopardy game focuses on the industrial economy of New England. Students will need to know general information on...
Curated OER
Colonies and Revolution: Comparing US and Mexican History
Young scholars examine the emergence of the United States and Mexico as independent nations. They compare the colonial history of the two countries and discover the emergence of social classes.
Curated OER
Introduction to Canada
Ninth graders investigate the country of Canada by examining their media in this geography lesson. They use the Internet to research Canadian newspapers and analyze a topic covered by both US and Canadian media sources. After comparing...
Curated OER
Places in Arkansas: A Tour of Our Unique State
A great activity focuses on important cultural and historical places in the state of Arkansas. Learners are introduced to six important places in Arkansas, then create a report on a place in Arkansas. Some excellent photographs, resource...
Curated OER
Thematic Unit: Beginning Holocaust Studies
Fifth graders discuss concepts of diversity, culture, and prejudice, gain understanding of harm caused by prejudice, and demonstrate ability to think critically and a desire to act morally.
Curated OER
Themes of Geography in the News Contest
Students discuss current events in the world today. After choosing one to focus on, they identify the themes of Geography present in them and practice using new vocabulary. They use the internet to find all of the themes present in...