Social Studies: Parts of a Map (3-4)
Time Required: 1 Lesson
- Various Examples of US and World Maps #SCH923 - Large Laminated World Map
- Word Strips #TCH523 - Post-it Multicolor Word Strips
- Working Writing Journals #CFT167 - White Blank Books
- Scissors TCH623 - Child Safe Scissors
Key Words for Lesson:
- Map Skills
- Parts of a Map
- Reading Maps
Students will be able to:
- Identify the various parts of a map (key, title, scale, compass rose)
Procedures for Lesson:
- Begin the lesson by creating a hotdog-style flip chart using large chart paper. Have students create one in their journals just as you are on the chart paper. (How to make student chart: fold outside of page towards the bind of the journal leaving about ½ inch before the bind; cut folded part in ½; cut two halves in ½; you should now have 4 equal sections on your flip chart.)
- Across the bottom of the chart write “Parts of a MAP” and on each of the four flaps write one of the key parts (ie. Title, key, scale, and compass rose). Lay this aside as you will use this once you begin working through each part.
- Then read the Cat in the Hat book regarding maps entitled There’s a Map on my Lap!: All About Maps by Tish Rabe. This is a cute look at maps and their necessity in our lives. Throughout the reading, be sure to stop and point out parts of the book that the children may not have seen or heard before. Ask questions and locate specific parts of the maps throughout the story. Upon completion of the book, review the main points, find out what the students learned that they did not already know about maps.
- Using your classroom wall maps or any large maps you can locate for this lesson, begin walking through each of the four main parts of a map being sure to answer the question “What’s it for? Or Why do we need it?” for each part.
- As you discuss each part, have the students draw an example of the part on their flip chart. You may also want them to answer the “What’s it for? Or Why do we need it?” questions on the chart as well.
Follow up Activity:
- Place students in groups of two and have them go on a Parts of a Map scavenger hunt. Using their journals, they are to copy the form (Click Here for the form) that will have them list the location, title of, and use for, each map they can find that has one of the four main parts of a map. Award a prize or recognition to the partnership who locates the most maps. You may also want to include a visit to the library to incorporate the reference section and atlases they have there within this scavenger hunt.
Wrap-Up:
- Provide each student with the Parts of a Map assessment sheet. You can use this as an informal or formal assessment. You may also choose to end the lesson by having each student answer the question “What are the four main parts of a map?” on a sticky note as their “Ticket out the door”.
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