Title:   Identifying Parts of Maps

Grade Level:  Fourth/Fifth

Subject(s): Social Studies/Math/Art

Learner Outcomes:

Students will identify and locate a compass rose on a map.
Students will identify and locate a map key (legend) on a map.
Students will identify and locate a scale on a map.
Students will identify and locate titles and labels on a map.

Duration of Lesson: three 40-minute sessions

Materials:

Maps
Classroom social studies textbook containing maps
Supplemental textbook materials
Standard classroom supplies

Technology Tools/Courseware:

Computers
Internet sites
Overhead projector
Interactive whiteboard/data projector
Compasses
CD for enrichment activity
Electronic encyclopedia

Teacher Notes:

• Reserve interactive whiteboard/projector
• Preview internet sites
• Procure map transparencies from supplemental textbook adoption materials
• Procure compasses for classroom activity
• Set up lab or classroom computers for enrichment activity
• Classroom text will vary due to adoption preferences in individual school systems
• The number of days necessary for lessons will depend on ability and interests of students involved.

Procedures:

    Day 1

Step 1:  Introduce Compass Rose.  Explain the purpose of the compass
             rose to show directions (i.e. North, South, East, West).

Step 2:  Explain that on most maps North is at the top (12 o'clock), South
             is at the bottom (6 o'clock), East is on the right (3 o'clock) and West
             is on the left (9 o'clock).

Step 3:  Introduce Map Key (Legend).   Explain that map legends contain
             symbol that stand for objects located on maps.  These symbols
             are explained in a map key or legend.  Point out  examples on
             transparencies and work through these examples with student
             initiated discussion. Students will work in small groups to develop
             questions from the transparencies.

Step 4:  Using a compass, small groups will label cardinal directions in the
             classroom.
 

    Day 2

Step 1:  Scales - Explain scales are used on maps as a tool for
             measuring distance. Inform students that map makers usually
             draw things smaller than they really are.  Point out several examples
             on transparencies.

Step 2:  Titles and Labels - Explain that titles tell what the map is about and
              labels tell us what things  are on the map.  Use various transparencies
              as examples.

Step 3:  Students will draw a simple map of the classroom and develop an
              appropriate legend.

    Day 3

Step 1: Review each part of a map using the interactive whiteboard
            and the following web sites:
            http://www.cgrer.uiowa.edu/servers/servers_references.html
            http://www.graphicmaps.com/clipart.htm
 

Modifications:

-    Modifications may be made based on ability and grade level of students.
 

Enrichment Activities:

-    Make-a-Map 3D CD.  In this program students are exposed to all geography
    benchmarks.  Students learn cardinal directions, maps, symbols and
    map keys.  The 3D interface converts students' flat representation into
    virtual 3D landscapes.  This CD may be purchased at:  www.Sunburst-store.com.

-   Students may be placed in small groups to identify various maps found
     in their textbooks.

-   Students may record types of maps found and corresponding pages to
     be shared with other groups.

-   Locate Maps on the computer using electronic encyclopedias.
 

State and National Standards:

West Virginia IGOs

    Social Studies: 4.29, 4.43, 5.22, 5.32, 5.57
    Math: 4.49
    Art: 5.5, 5.9
 

National Standards

Social Studies--Geography

  Understands the characteristics and uses of maps, globes,
  and other geographic tools and technologies

  Knows the location of places, geographic features, and
  patterns of the environment

  Understands the characteristics and uses of spatial
  organization of Earth's surface

  Art--Fine Arts

  Understands the characteristics and uses of spatial
  organization of Earth's surface

  Understands the visual arts in relation to history
  and cultures

   Math

   Understands how scale in maps and drawings shows
   relative size and distance

   Knows basic geometric language for describing and
   naming shapes (e.g., trapezoid, parallelogram, cube, sphere)

   Understands characteristics of lines (e.g., parallel, perpendicular,
   intersecting) and angles (e.g., right, acute)
 

References:

Teacher created materials: Maps, Charts, Graphs, Diagrams

Class text with supplemental materials.

Make-a-Map 3D CD may be ordered from : www.Sunburst-store.com.

http://www.cgrer.uiowa.edu/
http://mapping.usgs.gov/mac/isb/pubs/factsheets/fs07999.html

Authors:

           Carolyn Shuman
           Douglas Turner
           John Sezawich