Browse lesson plans

Time

In Coastal processes and conflicts: North Carolina's Outer Banks, page 1.2

This lesson is part of chapter one of the unit "Coastal processes and conflicts: North Carolina's Outer Banks." Students look at a chart of geologic time dating back to the beginning formation of the earth through modern times, noting that many geologic changes occur over millions of years. They also look at photographs of recent geologic change to learn that some geologic changes occur in a human time frame, as well.

Format: lesson plan (grade 7–10 Science and Social Studies)

By Stanley R. Riggs, Dorothea Ames, and Karen Dawkins.

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.

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.

Topography of North Carolina and its influence on settlement

This lesson explores where North Carolina is in relation to the United States and North America. Also, we will explore the different regions of North Carolina and how the topography of the region affected settlement.

Format: lesson plan (grade 8 English Language Development and Social Studies)

By Jessica Wilson and Tabitha Horton.

Traveling through Africa

Students will plan a one-week, three country trip through Africa and create a travelogue of places they will visit. The students will create an electronic scrapbook of highlights of the trip (including cultural highlights, historical points of interest, geographic features, etc.)

Format: lesson plan (grade 7 Social Studies)

By Ren Bryan.

"Two Worlds" introductory activity

In Two worlds: Educator's guide, page 1.1

Through the use of a carousel brainstorming strategy, this introductory activity for 8th grade social studies enables teachers to discover what their students already know about the geography and history of North Carolina. Students will work cooperatively and will recognize that they have much to learn about their state.

Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Social Studies)

By Pauline S. Johnson.

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.

Using coastal evidence to make management decisions

In Coastal processes and conflicts: North Carolina's Outer Banks, page 2.2

This lesson is part of chapter two of the unit "Coastal processes and conflicts: North Carolina's Outer Banks." Students act as if they are residents of the area affected by the opening of Isabel Inlet. Depending on which group they are in, they argue for or against the closure of the inlet in a class debate.

Format: lesson plan (grade 8–12 English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies)

By Stanley R. Riggs, Dorothea Ames, and Karen Dawkins.

Using scientific evidence to make community decisions

In Coastal processes and conflicts: North Carolina's Outer Banks, page 2.5

This lesson is part of chapter two of the unit "Coastal processes and conflicts: North Carolina's Outer Banks. Students analyze how natural processes, such as flooding, can affect humans and the decisions they make about land use.

Format: lesson plan (grade 8 English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies)

By Stanley R. Riggs, Dorothea Ames, and Karen Dawkins.

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.

What in the world does this have to do with maps and globes?

This lesson focuses on the similarities and differences between a globe and a flat world map. It introduces critical vocabulary relating to cardinal directions and longitude and latitude.

Format: lesson plan (grade 3 English Language Development and Social Studies)

By Phebe Watson and Sylvia Easterling.

Where do the Lumbee live?

In Teaching about North Carolina American Indians, page 2.8

Introduction Knowing the location of a community, city, state or nation is important. More important, however, is understanding of the personality of the location. Robeson County, home of the Lumbee Tribe, is more than a North Carolina county that...

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 and 8 English Language Arts and Social Studies)

By Gazelia Carter.

Where in North Carolina is... ? Teaching latitude and longitude

In North Carolina maps, page 1.5

In this lesson, students will learn about the concepts of latitude and longitude by locating the birthplaces of famous people from North Carolina and describing the location in absolute terms.

Format: lesson plan

By Jennifer Job.

Zoo integrated unit

The unit uses the North Carolina Zoological Park as a teaching tool rather than as a nice place to visit. It can be used by a single teacher or multiple teachers of different subjects, and it is aimed at 7th and 8th graders.

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies)

By Craig Smith.

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

Ancient flood stories

In this Xpeditions lesson, students will discuss ancient flood stories, including the story of Noah's Ark. They will also discuss the evidence of a flood that's been found in the Black Sea. Students will then write stories about what it might have been... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 1 Social Studies)

Provided by: Xpeditions

Ancient worlds workshop: Egypt

In this Xpeditions lesson, students explore the ancient civilization of Egypt. Activities in this lesson engage students in small group discussion, online learning, and development of note-taking skills. Students will: learn about the... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3 Social Studies)

Provided by: Xpeditions

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