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.
Curated OER
Why Study Air Pollution?
Eighth graders study air pollution and identify some causes, effects and solutions. In this air pollution lesson students complete several activities.
Curated OER
United States Map Lesson
Pupils explore basic map skills. In this United States geography lesson, students define "country" and "state," locate their state on a United States map, and identify and trace state boundaries defining their state and surrounding...
Indian Land Tenure Foundation
Maps and Homelands
You are never too young to learn about maps. To better understand the concept of a homeland, students work together to construct a map of their local area out of paper puzzle pieces. They'll put the maps together and then add details by...
US Mint
Symbols in My Eyes
Explore the hidden meanings behind the images on US currency with this elementary school lesson on symbolism. Starting with a class discussion about symbols, children go on to brainstorm different objects that represent the Unites...
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...
Curated OER
Agriculture Cares for the World
Students explore world geography by analyzing agriculture. In this dietary habits lesson, students discuss the role parents play in their children's diet and where the food comes from. Students write agricultural research paragraphs and...
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
United States Map- State Capitals
Students explore the state capitals. In this geography lesson, students use a political map to identify the state capitals and place post-it notes on various capitals.
Curated OER
Mapmaker, Mapmaker, Make Me a Map
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...
Curated OER
Using Literature to Introduce the Five Themes of Geography
Students listen to a read aloud of "If You Grew Up With Abraham Lincoln". Using the text, they identify examples of the five themes of geography and write them down. Using a map, they plot the places mentioned in the book and sort facts...
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...
Curated OER
The Water Around Us
Students discuss importance of reading maps and knowing about the geography of the United States, and locate bodies of water on different types of maps and examine how they are used in the state or local community.
Curated OER
Controlling the Flow of the Colorado River: A Study of Dams
Students research and map the Colorado River and its dams and predict the effects of a dam on an area. They suggest reasons a dam would be built and compare the Colorado River system with other major river systems within the US and...
Curated OER
Flat Stanley
Learners read Flat Stanley, and make a poster board Flat Stanley which they sent out to family members in different states. They create an adventure for their Flat Stanley based on his "travels" and map out his trip.
Curated OER
I Can Compass, Can You?
Young scholars discover how to use geographic tools. In this compass lesson, students identify cardinal directions by appropriately using compasses along with a number of various maps.
Curated OER
United States Geography and Topography
Fifth graders recognize the major regions of the US while reading a map. Students study the physical features of the US. Student research and report on states and their capitols.
Curated OER
The Geography of Maine Tourism
Young scholars study topographical maps of Maine to identify the important physical features. They work in groups to create tourism pamphlet highlighting a region of the state.
Curated OER
A Ticket to Japan
Fourth graders discover similarities and differences in the lifestyles and geography of Utah and Japan. They use a Venn Diagram to compare and contrast daily life and geography in Utah with daily life and geography in Japan. They make...
Curated OER
States and Capitals, Mountains and Rivers
Students identify geographical locations in the midwestern United States. For this geography lesson, students identify 12 states and capitals and geographical features in the region by using U.S. maps. Students use blank maps to fill in...
Curated OER
One Country's Slave Trade
Learners examine the slave trade. In this research skills lesson plan, students research the slave trade in a selected country. Learners use databases to locate pertinent information in order to prepare an oral presentation.
Curated OER
Mary Todd Tours the World
Pupils analyze how distinguishing another culture encourages us to respect each other. They research culture and all its avenues, recognizing and comprehending the relationship between people and geography. Ultimately, they can apply...
Curated OER
Water Sources in Cape Verde and West Africa
Young explorers study the scarcity and importance of a continuous supply of fresh water in Cape Verde. They research the five main ways that fresh water is obtained in these countries. Each research group prepares a presentation, and...