Objectives:
2.G.1 Use geographic representations, terms and technology to process information from a spatial perspective
2.G.1.1 Interpret maps of the school and community that contain symbols, legends and cardinal directions.
2.G.1.2 Interpret the meaning of symbols and the location of physical and human features on a map (cities, railroads, highways, countries, continents, oceans, etc.).
Vocabulary:
Location
Physical Attributes
Spatial Organization
Natural Resources
Community
Start this week's social studies lesson with a map-related read aloud!
Maps have many uses. We can use them to find our way around, better understand the natural and man-made resources nearby, and to help us have an awareness of our community.
We have spent time this year creating our own maps and mapping our classroom and neighborhoods. This week, you are going to use one of the resources below to share what you learned about your community or state from the maps you reviewed.
REVIEW
Some parts of a map are designed to help us understand the map better. These features help us to read maps and are used to display information that would be difficult to show otherwise.
A map key or a legend is used to show the reader what each symbol on a map represents. Often, these symbols are used, because showing the actual object would be difficult or would make the map too crowded and more difficult to read. Look below for some examples of map keys.
A compass (sometimes called a compass rose) shows the cardinal directions: North, South, East, and West. Compasses help show the directions on a map. Using a compass, a tool by the same name, you could determine which way to orient the map and find your way using the information given on your map.
YOUR ASSIGNMENT THIS WEEK
Use one of the tools below to find a map of your community. (Once you finish with this week's work, feel free to use these tools to explore other places around the country and the world!)
Look at the map of your community.
Draw your own key for this map. What symbols do you see? What is important for people reading this map to understand?
Look at the compass on this map. Write down two places North, South, East, and West of where you live in your community.
Notice the man-made objects and natural resources. Can you tell the difference between these two types of map features? If not, what might the map maker do to change the map so people could better understand.
Most of our communities are connected by roads. Which major roads go through your community? What symbols mark these? How can you tell they are roads?
Create your own map! Using paper or an online tool of your choice, create a map of your room, your house, your community, your state, your country, or anywhere else you choose! You could create a map to show the vacations you have been on, places you have visited, or places you have lived. You could also explore a place you have never been. Make sure your map has an accurate key and a compass. Share a picture of your map with Mrs. Strong on ClassDojo!
COMMUNITY MAP TOOLS
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps
National Geographic MapMaker Interactive: https://mapmaker.nationalgeographic.org/
Online Interactive Maps: http://www.yourchildlearns.com/online-interactive-maps.htm