Mapping Thanksgiving Harvest (Interactive Map Analysis)

Looking for an assignment to give your students over Thanksgiving break or leading up to the holiday?

Your students are sure to be THANKFUL for this fun and interactive Thanksgiving lesson.

In this activity, students will investigate an interactive map showing where the main foods served during Thanksgiving are grown in the United States. They will answer questions that require them to read and interpret the data on the map, analyze statistics, and investigate what the harvest looks like close to their community. In two conclusion questions, students must reflect on their learnings to explain the impact of Thanksgiving foods on the environment.

This lesson can be taught synchronously or asynchronously, online or in person. The lesson is in the format of a Google Doc, which can be posted online or printed. This assignment can be given for students to complete independently or in groups.  This activity can be used with students ranging from middle school through high school and is designed to last one class period. Use this activity in your Environmental Science, General Science, Social Studies, Geography, or Health class.