Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Comparing Topographical Maps to 3-Dimensional Models

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students apply knowledge of topographical maps and how computer programs are used to make 3-D models of areas that humans have never visited. They view a Mars Canyon movie, then map the canyon.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mapping Mount St. Helens

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students study topographic maps and contour lines and construct a simple three-dimensional model of Mount St. Helens before the May 18, 1980, eruption. They use topographic map skills to interpret the impact of the May 18, 1980, eruption...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Marine Energy

For Teachers 7th - 12th
In small groups, energy engineers research and make a topographic map of a marine natural resource. They report to the rest of the class pros and cons of extracting their assigned resource. The two activities may take up to four class...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Contouring We Go

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the built environment and infrastructures of their community by constructing contour equipment, using the equipment, and comparing their results to current topographical maps of the same area
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

MAPS AND TOPOGRAPHY

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Learners analyze the details of a topographic map and create one of their own by utilyzing a map of elevations.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Landscape of a Novel

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students, after reading a novel, utilize geographic skills to map out the places described in the novel. They collect data, envision spatial features and then design a map to work off of to complete their assignment. Each student also...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Natural Resources

For Teachers K - 12th
Young scholars explore Iowa geography and topographic maps. In this geography and topographic maps activity, student investigate maps, newspapers, Iowa flora and fauna. Students gain an understanding of how different landforms can be...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Delicate Balance - Iowa's Natural Resources

For Teachers 3rd - 12th
Discover the natural resources in Iowa by studying it's history. In this environmental lesson, your students will observe a topographical map of Iowa and identify where its most valuable resources are. They complete an Iowa name...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Silk Roads Big Map

For Teachers 5th - 11th
Pupils create an oversized map from Europe to East Asia. They include information such as Silk Roads, geographical features, major cities and cultural information on their map.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Map It!

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders collect and explore different maps and their uses before using the program Pixie to create maps of geographic features, political features, and economic information for the state in which they live.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Geography And The Revolutionary War

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students gain a deeper understanding of both geography and the Revolutionary War. They practice using on line research in examining historical events and using political, physical, and topographic maps.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Siting Wind Power

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students analyze a variety of curves that describe the power extracted from the wind by a variety of commercially produced wind turbines. They utilize site specific topographic maps and political boundary data to evaluate and make...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Thoreau Look at Our Environment

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders write journal entries o school site at least once during each season, including sketched and written observations of present environment. They can use sample topographical maps and student's own maps. Students can use...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Stranded along the Coast

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students plot stranding sites onto a map using latitude and longitude as well as compass directions with respect to coastal features. They identify several species of marine animals that might become stranded; distinguish their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Land Use Over Time

For Teachers 9th - 12th
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...
Lesson Plan
National Endowment for the Humanities

Lesson 1: On the Road with Marco Polo: A Boy in 13th Century Venice

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Learners investigate Marco Polo's life as a young boy in 13th century Venice. They analyze maps, explore various websites, complete a chart and answer discussion questions, and create a travel brochure about visiting 13th century Venice.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Special Relationship: Connecticut and Its Settlers

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students study both geological and geographical features of Connecticut and the New Haven area. They focus on map works and rock formation.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Challenges Ahead

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students examine the physical obstacles that the Lewis and Clark expedition encountered on its journey. They report what challenges these physical obstacles might have posed. They review a modern-day map and explain if the obstacles...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Uncharted Territory

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students examine what were preconceived perceptions of the areas Lewis and Clark explored. They compare and contrast past and modern maps of North America. They accurately place route and site information on the map.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

My Habitat

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Students explore the environment they live in. In this habitats lesson, students define habitat and create a web in kidspiration. Students take a walk outside and record what they see and hear and may take pictures as well. Students...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Middle East: Land, Resouces, and Economics

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students identify and describe major geographical features of the Middle East and explain how these features and other natural resources influence the economy of the area. Then they research one of the middle-eastern countries listed,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Reforms of the Mid-1800's

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders complete a unit of lessons on the reform movements of the mid-1800's in the U.S. They participate in an Internet scavenger hunt, analyze primary source documents, and develop and perform a simulation of a mid-19th century...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Make a Community Almanac

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students gather geographic information about their community. They work together to create a community almanac.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Native American Living Museum

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders complete a unit of lessons on Native Americans. They analyze Native American cultures, create a Native American artifact for a Living Museum, and develop a tour of the museum using a digital camera and a Powerpoint...