map skills

Home

Chat

Blogs

Collection

Directory

Home : 2003 : June : 8

map skills
By Sue W

"Map Analysis" was a an activity that worked really well with third graders. During the map study unit I had kids bring in maps they found; road maps, grocery store product directories, amusement park maps. We got some unusual
ones as well,a lake bottom map from a junior fisherman, a map showing airports from a pilot's son.
At the end of the unit the kids were divided into groups of 3 or 4 and rotated around the room to study the different maps. I gave them a Map Analysis sheet with things to look for together.
What is the name of your map?
Who would use this map and for what reason?
Does you

map have a map key?
Is there a compass rose?
What is the scale of your map?
Does your map show cities, roads and water?

I think I enjoyed this activity as much as the kids did, and if you could use a smile, check out the "Why would it be used/" question, there's bound to be a chuckle or two.