Parts of a map

General

Students learn to use a map’s title, the map key, and the compass rose to locate different areas on a map. They will practice identifying the different cardinal and intermediate directions.

Learning Objective

Students will be able to use keys and legends to identify several locations. They will be able to describe and use the different parts of a map.

Introduction

Students discuss how they find their way around a new place. They may mention navigation apps, asking for directions, and using a map. Explain that maps have titles that will help you determine if the map will be useful for you.

Instruction

Have students drag the map titles to the question it could answer. For example, a map titled “Average Rainfall in North America” would help you find out if there is a drought. Next, show students a compass rose with cardinal and intermediate directions. Students can use the phrase, “Never Eat Soggy Waffles” to remember the cardinal directions. Then students will drag directions to the correct position on a compass rose. Students will use a compass rose to answer questions about a map. After this, explain what a map key/legend is as well as an inset map and locator map. Explain how distance is measured on a map using a scale. Have students use the ruler to find distances on the map.

Quiz

Check student understanding with ten multiple-choice questions in which they answer questions about reading a map.

Closing

Review the parts of a map then have students create an outline map of a state. Their maps should include the capital of the state, 4 cities, and a key with 4 symbols.

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