Browse lesson plans

Building map-reading skills

In Map skills and higher-order thinking, page 5

Now that we know what students can't do, how do we help them develop the skills to read and interpret maps successfully? You may not be surprised to learn that most of the research and literature on this topic stops short of offering actual suggestions....

Format: activity/lesson plan (grade )

By David Walbert.

Topographic maps

In Map skills and higher-order thinking, page 11

Topographic maps add a third dimension to latitude and longitude by showing natural (and cultural) features of the earth's surface -- in particular, elevation. Historically, mapmakers used a variety of methods to indicate elevation. To get a quick...

Format: activity/lesson plan

By David Walbert.

Resources on the web

Animals versus people: Who's the better navigator?

In this Xpeditions lesson, students explore animal navigation and compare animal to human navigational capabilities. Activities in this lesson engage students in online learning, cooperative group work, and creation of a final project using technology.... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science and Social Studies)

Provided by: Xpeditions

Getting lost

This lesson has students practice their knowledge of the cardinal directions by having them describe the directions in their classroom. They will practice figuring out the relative directions of other places (such as another classroom or the office) in... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Social Studies)

Provided by: Xpeditions

Marco Polo takes a trip

In this lesson from EDSITEment, students learn about the travels of Venetian adventurer Marco Polo. They consult maps to locate Venice and follow the routes Marco took to Beijing and back. They learn about the challenges of traveling along the Silk Road,... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K and 2 Social Studies)

Provided by: EDSITEment