Map Explorers: Discovering Our World!

Social Studies Grades 1st Grade 5:10 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn all about maps and how they help us find our way around! We'll explore different types of maps, learn about directions, and even make our own maps!

Video Resource

How to Make a Map | Geography for Kids | Made by Red Cat Reading

Kids vs Life

Duration: 5:10
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Maps are drawings of places.
  • Maps use symbols to represent things.
  • Maps use directions (North, South, East, West) to help us find places.
  • Maps can show different things, like streets, buildings, rivers, and oceans.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to define what a map is.
  • Students will be able to identify the four cardinal directions (North, South, East, West).
  • Students will be able to recognize and explain common map symbols.
  • Students will be able to create a simple map of a familiar space.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students if they have ever used a map. Where did they use it? What did it help them find? Introduce the video 'How to Make a Map | Geography for Kids | Made by Red Cat Reading' and explain that it will teach them all about maps.
  • Video Viewing (5 mins)
    Play the video 'How to Make a Map | Geography for Kids | Made by Red Cat Reading'. Encourage students to pay attention to the different types of maps and the symbols used.
  • Discussion (5 mins)
    After the video, lead a class discussion using the discussion questions below. Review the key concepts presented in the video.
  • Activity 1: Direction Practice (10 mins)
    Have students stand up. Call out directions (North, South, East, West) and have them point in that direction. You can also use commands like 'Take one step North,' etc.
  • Activity 2: Symbol Search (10 mins)
    Provide students with a simple map of the classroom or school. Include symbols for common items like the door, teacher's desk, library, etc. Have them identify the items using the symbols. Create a key for the symbols.
  • Activity 3: Map Making (15 mins)
    Provide each student with a piece of paper. Have them create a map of their bedroom. Remind them to include key features like their bed, door, window, and any other important items. Encourage them to use symbols and label the directions.
  • Conclusion (5 mins)
    Have students share their maps with the class. Discuss the importance of maps and how they help us in our daily lives. Reiterate the key concepts learned in the lesson.

Interactive Exercises

  • Classroom Map Creation
    As a class, create a large map of the classroom. Assign different students to draw different parts of the room, including furniture, doors, and windows. Use symbols to represent different objects and label the directions.
  • Treasure Hunt!
    Hide a small object in the classroom and create a simple treasure map with symbols and directions. Have the students work together to follow the map and find the hidden treasure.

Discussion Questions

  • What is a map?
  • What are some things you can find on a map?
  • What are the four main directions?
  • Why are symbols used on maps?
  • How can a map help you?

Skills Developed

  • Map reading
  • Spatial reasoning
  • Directional awareness
  • Symbol recognition
  • Map creation

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What is a map?

Correct Answer: A drawing of a place

Question 2:

What direction is where the sun rises?

Correct Answer: East

Question 3:

What do we call the directions North, South, East, and West?

Correct Answer: Directions

Question 4:

What might a little picture of a tree on a map show?

Correct Answer: A tree

Question 5:

What does the letter 'N' on a map usually show?

Correct Answer: North

Question 6:

If you walk towards where the sun goes down, which way are you going?

Correct Answer: West

Question 7:

Which one of these is NOT a direction?

Correct Answer: Blue

Question 8:

What helps us find places using symbols?

Correct Answer: A map

Question 9:

Which of these could you find on a map?

Correct Answer: A river

Question 10:

If you are going towards the South Pole, what direction are you heading?

Correct Answer: South

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

A map is a __________ of a place.

Correct Answer: drawing

Question 2:

We use __________ to find places on a map.

Correct Answer: directions

Question 3:

The four directions are North, South, East, and __________.

Correct Answer: West

Question 4:

A little picture on a map is called a __________.

Correct Answer: symbol

Question 5:

The opposite of North is __________.

Correct Answer: South

Question 6:

The sun __________ in the East.

Correct Answer: rises

Question 7:

When you make a map, you can draw things you see in your __________.

Correct Answer: room

Question 8:

We can use a map to find a __________.

Correct Answer: library

Question 9:

On a map, N means __________.

Correct Answer: North

Question 10:

Symbols help us understand what's on a __________.

Correct Answer: map

Educational Standards

SOC.1.1.2.1:Describe the difference between physical and political maps; construct basic maps of specific places. SOC.1.1.2.2:Identify cardinal directions and use them to identify specific locations on a map.

Teaching Materials

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