Browse lesson plans

A magic carpet ride: Exploring carpet weaving in India

In this lesson, a photo analysis activity helps students learn about carpet weaving in India. Students discuss how this tradition compares to the weaving traditions of other cultures.

Format: lesson plan (grade 7 Visual Arts Education and Social Studies)

By Eric Eaton.

Of earth, water, and fire: World pottery traditions

In this lesson, a photo analysis activity helps students learn about pottery traditions from around the world. Students discuss how these traditions are similar to and different from one another.

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Visual Arts Education and Social Studies)

By Eric Eaton.

To market, to market: Photograph analysis

In this lesson, students analyze photos of markets from around the world to gain an understanding of the similarities and differences between geographically distant places, to learn about the economic and cultural significance of markets, and to improve visual literacy skills.

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–7 English Language Arts and Social Studies)

By Eric Eaton.

Resources on the web

Adventure Learning Foundation

Photographs and travel journals from Southern Africa, Peru, Mexico, Guatemala, Baja California, Alaska and Yukon. Interested teachers may register their class to track the travelers on their next trip. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: QuestConnect.org

American Journeys

More than 18,000 pages of eyewitness accounts of North American exploration from rare books, original manuscripts, images, and classic travel narratives. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: Wisconsin Historical Society

Ancient Egypt: Stories and myths

In this Xpeditions lesson, students explore stories and myths about ancient Egypt through time. Activities in this lesson engage students in whole class discussion, collaborative group work, online learning and research, and creation of a final presentation... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan

Provided by: Xpeditions

Asia for Educators

Features classroom materials and teaching guides on Asia for use by educators and students in world history, culture, geography, art, and literature. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: Columbia University

Culture shock

In this Xpeditions lesson, students explore how cultural customs differ throughout the world. Activities in this lesson engage students in whole class discussion, online learning, creation of a project, and writing assignments. Students will:... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–7 Social Studies)

Provided by: Xpeditions

Learning Centre: Library and Archives Canada

Primary source materials in Canadian history and culture (and how to use them) presented by the Library and Archives Canada. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: Library and Archives Canada

Making a mummy the natural way

This Xpeditions lesson has students examine the relationship between climate and the mummification process in ancient Egypt and other parts of the world. Students will conclude by writing paragraphs suggesting ways archaeologists and climatologists can... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 7 Social Studies)

Provided by: Xpeditions

My Hero

This web site, in English and Spanish, features information about "heroes" around the world. Some of the people are famous and some are everyday people striving to make a difference in other peoples lives and working for important causes around the world.... (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: My Hero

My Wonderful World

Supported by National Geographic, this site was created by a large number of corporate partners to “ expand geographic learning in school, at home, and in the community.” (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: National Geographic Society Education Foundation

The New Americans

This site provides information on five immigrant groups in the United States, including their histories, cultures, and current situations. Eleven lesson plans related to immigration can be accessed in the educator's section of the site. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: Independent Television Service

North By South

Culture, traditions, history and impact of the communities resulting from the 1900-1960 African-American migrations from south to north. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: Kenyon College

North Carolina Museum of History

The Museum offers visitors a divers assortment of exhibits and resources to include in classroom instruction or actual visists to the museum. Find lesson plans, information on history in a box kits, professional development workshops, and much more. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Not "Indians," Many Tribes: Native American Diversity

In this unit from the National Endowment for the Humanities and EdSitement, students will heighten their awareness of Native American diversity as they learn about three vastly different Native groups in a game-like activity using archival documents such... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3 and 5 Social Studies)

Provided by: EDSITEment

Ocean Oasis

Sponsored by the San Diego Natural History Museum and PRONATURA, this website features comprehensive information about Mexico's Sea of Cortez and the Baja California Desert in english and spanish. The stunning content of this website focuses on how oasis's... (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: San Diego Natural History Museum

Odyssey Online

Explore the ancient Near East, Egypt, Greece, Rome, and 19th - 20th century sub-Saharan Africa through museum objects in this comprehensive and informative site from the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia and the Memorial Art... (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory University

Through the eyes of a refugee

This lesson asks students to analyze the “Afghanistan, Land in Crisis” map (available in print and online) to determine how the physical geography of this region affects the lifestyles of the individuals who live there. Students will be asked... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 7 Social Studies)

Provided by: Xpeditions

Trekking to Timbuktu—student version

In the eight lessons of this EDSITEment curriculum unit, students will learn about the geography of Mali and the cultures and economies along the Niger River, find out about the three kingdoms that evolved in ancient and medieval West Africa, discover how... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 7 Social Studies)

Provided by: EDSITEment