Browse lesson plans

Ecuador: A land of climate diversity

In this lesson, students will create climate graphs and analyze photographs to investigate the various types of climate in Ecuador and the interactions between climate and human culture. The lesson plan is designed to be adapted to the study of various countries.

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 and 7 Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies)

By Eric Eaton.

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.

Regions of Nepal: A virtual trek

This lesson for grade seven helps students understand the connections between geography and culture. Students experience a virtual trek through the different regions of Nepal, conduct research about the ethnic groups living in each region, and maintain travel logs documenting what they've learned.

Format: lesson plan (grade 7 Social Studies)

By Edie McDowell.

Salt trading in Asia

In this interdisciplinary lesson, students explore the mineral salt from a variety of perspectives — scientific, geographic, and cultural. The lesson incorporates images of salt production in Nepal and Vietnam. It may be used with grade 4 or grade 7.

Format: lesson plan (grade 4 and 6–7 English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies)

By Edie McDowell.

Threads through South America: Weaving in Ecuador

This lesson for grade six takes a look at the weaving and textiles created in the Andes of Ecuador in and near the town of Otavalo. In addition to learning about Ecuadorian weaving, students may also create their own woven artifact.

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–7 Visual Arts Education, English Language Arts, 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.

Unraveling a cultural mystery: Nepal

In this lesson, students explore two religious festivals in Nepal through audio recordings and photographs. Students begin with a vague knowledge about the festivals and develop a more thorough understanding as more information is revealed through the course of the lesson. The author recommends incorporating these activities into a larger lesson plan of your design.

Format: lesson plan (grade 7 Social Studies)

By Kristin Post.

Vietnam waterways: Ecology and conservation

In this interdisciplinary lesson for grades 6-8, students will examine the relationship between the physical environment and cultural characteristics of the Mekong River valley in Vietnam. Students will evaluate the current conditions of the Mekong River and suggest long-range solutions for improving, restoring, or preserving the quality of the river.

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Information Skills, Science, and Social Studies)

By Edie McDowell.

Resources on the web

From Silk to Oil: Cross-Cultural Connections Along the Silk Roads

Developed for high school teachers, this curriculum guide features five sections that explore the geography, ethnic relations and political history, exchange of goods and ideas, religions, and art along the Silk Road. The global studies curriculum begins... (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: China Institute

Future State: U.S. Department of State for Youth

This resource is designed to provide teachers and parents with educational resources for the inclusion of current events and world news in the classroom. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: Department of State

Globalization101.org

Provides students with information and interdisciplinary learning opportunities on globalization without ideological biases. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)

Outreach World - A Resource for Teaching Kids About the World

A comprehensive one-stop resource for teaching international and area studies and foreign languages in the precollegiate classroom. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: Outreach World

Peace Corps World Wise Schools

Visit the Global Cafe and learn what life is like for teens in other countries. Learn about the culture, geography, government, and economy of other countries and lots more. Also find out what life is like as a Peace Corps volunteer. Teachers, you will find... (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: Peace Corps