Maps Lesson Plans

Learners examine and create maps. In this map skills lesson, learners look at a variety of maps of place they are familiar with, then are introduced to the idea of a mental map of a familiar place. Learners draw their mental maps, then work in groups to create a map of their classroom.

In this lesson learners gain an understanding of maps. They study the components of a map, particularly the legend, the key, the symbols and the area. They develop their own map of a garden.

Learners consider the various ways that maps help people in everyday life by analyzing and discussing maps on National Geographic's MapMachine, and writing paragraphs explaining how maps are helpful in planning a fictitious international festival.

Students explore cave mapping.  In this measurement and map skills lesson, students crawl through a "cave" made out of boxes, desks and chairs, observing the dimensions.  Students measure various aspects of the cave and practice math skills needed to create a related map scale. Students observe a variety of authentic cave maps and create their own cave map representing the classroom cave.  Students solve and write related story problems.

Learners discover the fundamental advantages/disadvantages of both maps and globes. They see that maps may distort size, shape, distance and direction. They discuss the advantages and applications of 5 types of map projections and the 3 types of maps.

Students use different types of maps to examine the region of Asia. They examine how the region of Central Asia is defined. They develop their own scavenger hunt based on maps to complete the lesson.

Learners see how temperatures across the United States vary. They use technology in order to find, print, and produce a color-coded weather map. They utilize worksheets and websites imbedded in this plan to help them with their project.

In this lesson learners identify unique personal attributes. In this back to school introduction lesson, learners view a Visual Thesaurus and discuss displayed attributes associated with famous American leaders. Using these identity maps as models, learners generate nouns and adjectives that describe themselves. In this lesson learners use these words to create a personal identity map to share with their classmates.

This lesson has students create identity maps to introduce themselves to peers. In this ice breaker lesson, students use a Visual Thesaurus map as inspiration for creating an identity map to identify their own multiple roles, qualities, and attributes. This lesson has students use the map to introduce themselves to peers.

In this lesson students study direction as they listen to the stories of Little Red Riding Hood and The Jolly Postman. In this cardinal direction lesson, learners create a map to show the path Little Red Riding Hood took in the story and label the path that the Jolly Postman took. The class practices the cardinal directions while singing "Oh Where Oh Where is the Postman" song.