Maps, Maps, and More Maps!

Lesson Author

Nicole Maslowski

Grades: 2-4

Lesson Summary

Using the book Maps and Journeys, teachers can select activities that go with each �chapter� in the book. Activities range from looking at different types of maps, making maps to scale, and using Google Earth to look at different types of maps and map symbols.

Literature Connection

Maps and Journeys by Kate Petty and Jakki Wood

While riding in a hot air balloon, Harry and his dog Ralph learn about different kinds of maps, the cardinal directions, and how to make a map using scale. This book is broken into short chapters that address a variety of map-related topics. It can be read as a whole book or by chapters.

NCSS Standard(s)

• Interpret, use, and distinguish various representations of the earth, such as maps, globes, and photographs

• Use appropriate resources, data sources, and geographic tools such as atlases, data bases, grid systems, charts, graphs, and maps to generate, manipulate, and interpret information

• Construct and use mental maps of locales, regions, and the world that demonstrate understanding of relative location, direction, size, and shape

• Estimate distance and calculate scale

Concepts and Skills

maps, map making, scale, cardinal directions

Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Name, describe, and compare various types of maps

2. Make a map to scale

3. Use the cardinal directions

4. Explain why details on a map change based on the type of map they are looking at and the amount of land a map shows

5. Identify and explain the importance of map symbols

6. List details about their city

Google Skills Needed

• use the fly to box to travel around the world

• zoom in and out of locations

• use layers

• use the ruler to measure distance

Step-by-Step Teaching Procedures (PDF document)