Social Studies: People, Places and Environments

Pre-K-12: Standard 3

• Social studies programs should include experiences that provide for the study of people, places and environments. The study of people, places and human-environment interactions assists learners as they create their spatial views and geographic perspectives of the world.

National Council for the Social Studies, Expectations of Excellence: Curriculum Standards for Social Studies (Washington, D.C.: NCSS, 1994). This book may be purchased by calling 800-683-0812. Electronic copies of it are not available.

Source: Curriculum Standards for Social Studies

This paper plate globe reinforces an understanding of the earth at many learning levels. Teachers can use this project to develop understanding of continents and oceans, rotation and revolution, changes in seasons and plate tectonics. This learning tool can also be used as a form of assessment, group practice or independent study.

Supplies Used: Cardstock or Construction Paper, Colored Pencils, Crayons, Glue, Craft Sticks, Paint, Hand Punch, Scissors, Yarn

The teacher will die-cut the materials for student use prior to the lesson.

1. Paint two paper plates a solid blue color and allow to dry. Adhere plates back to back to assemble the globe.
2. Adhere continents in place on both sides of the globe. Label the continents.
3. Punch a hole through the top of the globe. Cut yarn and string through the hole.
4. Die-cut Continents using various colors of cardstock or construction paper. Alternatively, die-cut white paper and allow students to color with crayons or colored pencils.
5. Hang the finished globe by the string to decorate your ceiling or walls (see Main Photo).