Fourth graders investigate the meaning of names and how they are used to name geographic places. They conduct research using a variety of resources. Special attention is paid to names given within the Native American culture. Students...

Students investigate the supposed traveling path of a meteorite. They use sound in order to triangulate the path. The results of the experiment are written on a map to display the path of the meteorite. The culminating activity is when...

Young scholars develop skill in using co-ordinates. Up to eight cardinal points of the compass are used making this a useful activity in simple map and grid work. They utilize educational software to gain practice.

Students examine the physical geography of Minnesota, work cooperatively to design a map of Minnesota and develop spatial and relative location of Minnesota landmarks and physical characteristics.

Fourth graders draw a rudimentary map of the state of Utah, dividing it into the three regions: the Great Basin, the Colorado Plateau, and the Rocky Mountain Region.

Students learn and practice how to find the perimeter of a polygonal shape. Using a ruler, they measure model rooms made of construction paper walls. They learn about other tools, such as a robot, that can help them take measurements....

In this Inquiry, learners engage in a debate between two characters about when a bed-and-breakfast (B&B) should have a fall leaf-peeping special to maximize the guest experience. Students are introduced to Budburst, a citizen science...

In this inquiry, students predict the best place to stargaze in Arizona based on the brightness of the night sky. Students are introduced to the concept of light pollution and Globe at Night, a global citizen science project in which...

This inquiry invites students to investigate human impacts on the environment. Specifically, students will examine the relationship between human population, light pollution, and how brightly celestial objects like stars appear in the...

This inquiry focuses on analyzing spatial and temporal data for frog calls to determine the best time of day and location to hear a symphony of frogs. Click on the link for teaching guides and handouts.

Using maps and graphs of large data sets collected in FrogWatch, learners will determine the range, preferred land cover, and proximity to water of the American bullfrog to figure out the bullfrog's requirements for food, water, and...

In this inquiry, students engage with mapping data to determine what kind of land coverage is contributing the most to harmful algal blooms in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Click on the link for teacher resources for teaching guides and...

In this Inquiry, students predict the best date to host a lilac blossom festival so that lilacs are in full bloom in the city where students live. Students are introduced to Project Budburst, a citizen science project in which volunteers...

This inquiry is intended to provide students with practice developing investigable questions that need data, and specifically large datasets, to be answered. Click the teacher resources link for teaching guides and student handouts.

In this inquiry, students predict the best place to stargaze in Arizona based on the brightness of the night sky. Students are introduced to the concept of light pollution and Globe at Night, a global citizen science project in which...

Students physically provide motion data that is collected by a CBL and then graph the data. They determine if they "moved in the right directions" by comparing their graph with those printed in the activity.

Take a close look at the resources provided and consider how students can put their school and/or community on the map. Discover cartography, virtual mapping, and points of interest in town or of the school.

This Daily Teaching Tools resource provides an efficient learning strategy. Explanataions are provided about how graphic organizers can serve as mind mapping tools.