Maps: Resources Unit

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Maps Resources Unit

• By
• Tiffany Suman Ellen Winter
• ED 417
• Spring 2007

2
Introduction

• A. General Theme
• Throughout this resource unit, students will be
  studying the many different concepts of maps. The
  purpose of this unit is to help students gain an
  understanding of all the different things that
  can be found on a map and how to read a map.
  Obtaining mapping skills is important for young
  children to have. Students may then continue to
  build on their knowledge of the uses and
  understanding of the importance of maps and the
  geography around them in everyday life.

3
Introduction

• Who The teacher will lead the students through a
  variety of activities to aid in the understanding
  of maps.
• What Five different activities will be done upon
  completion of the mapping unit.
• Where All activities will take place in the
  classroom or on school property.
• When These activities will be completed during
  the social studies teaching period. Some
  activities can be implemented into mathematics as
  well.
• How Long This unit will take place for one week
  to allow students ample time to complete and
  comprehend all activities.

4
Content

• The students will be learning about the different
  parts of maps such as, the map key, scale,
  directions, longitude, and latitude.
• The students will be able to use what they have
  learned and apply it to reading maps in order to
  get to a location.

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Vocabulary

• Map
• Legend
• Directions
• Compass
• Symbols

• Grid
• Landmarks
• Longitude
• Latitude

6
Objectives

• The students will know different types of maps
  and what is found on a map.
• The students will identify the different parts of
  a map.
• The students will learn how to read a map.
• The students will learn vocabulary associated
  with maps.
• The students will create their own map to tell
  someone how to get to their home.
• The students will read My Map Book by Sara
  Fanelli to understand how maps can be used.
• The students will complete one page in the
  Geography workbook each day to maintain mapping
  skills.
• The student will learn how to use a coordinate
  system in order to teach the student longitude
  and latitude.
• The students will interact with their peers in
  learning the map process building cooperation
  skills.
• The student will use hands on activities to meet
  the visual needs of students.

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Activity Day 1

• After the teacher has introduced the topic of
  maps to the students, the students will use
  computers to aid in their learning about symbols
  found on a map.
• Students will use ED Helper Community Maps to
  answer the online questions about the map.

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Activity Day 2

• Students will be given a grid and have to place
  coordinates with labels of places on the map.
  Students will then switch papers and another
  student will have to find each coordinate and the
  location given to each place.

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Activity Day 3

• Students will receive a colorless map which they
  will have to design and color code a legend that
  makes sense.

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Activity Day 4

• The teacher will have stations set up around the
  classroom with a different type of map at each
  location. Students will identify characteristics
  of each map at each location using a data chart.

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Activity Day 5

• Students will create a map directing the teacher
  from school to the students home.
• This last activity will encompass all aspects of
  mapping skills and will be used as authentic
  assessment to determine if students understood
  the lesson.
• The students map must consist of
• Legend
• Street names
• At least two landmarks
• Students address
• Compass

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Evaluation Multiple Choice

• Multiple Choice
• 1. What would you use to measure the distance
  between to location on a map?
• A. Key C. Longitude
• B. Scale D. Compass
• 2. A map key is used for?
• A. Decoding symbols C. Finding a
  direction
• B. Measuring a location D.
• 3. Latitude runs from which directions?
• A. North to South C. East to West
• B. North to East D. South to West
• 4. I would use a compass to find?
• A. Symbols C. Directions
• B. Landforms on a map D. Map Key
• 5. Longitude runs from which directions?
• A. North to South C. East to West

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Evaluation Objective Questions

• 6. Look at the legend from the provided map. What
  symbol represents the train crossing?
• 7. What view of a map would you be looking at if
  you were flying in an airplane?

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Evaluation Essay Questions

• 8. Describe at least three different ways you
  could use a map and tell how each would be
  helpful.
• 9. Pick two maps that we have learned about, then
  compare and contrast the maps.

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Teacher References

• Laminated Wall Maps More than four feet wide,
  these laminated, markable/washable wall maps (use
  dry erase markers) make superb classroom tools.
  The "political" maps are actually
  physical-political, with a five-color scheme
  distinguishing nations (or states in the U.S.
  map), shaded relief indicating mountain ranges,
  rivers shown in unusual detail, and state or
  national flags shown in a strip at the bottom. On
  the physical maps, red lines indicate boundaries,
• shaded relief indicates mountain ranges, and
  colors indicate altitude.
• Clearly Social Studies Containing student
  worksheets, arts-and-crafts projects, ideas for
  bulletin boards, games, skits, writing prompts,
  map exercises, and eight color transparencies,
  these new Judy/Instructo books cover grade-level
  concepts in history, geography, and government.
  Fully attuned to NCSS standards, each level is
  divided into units that begin with resource
  sections made up of lesson starters, learning
  extensions, and added activities.

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Teacher References

• Map Skills and Outlines Basic map reading skills
  are reinforced in this set that features 16
  reproducible worksheets with corresponding
  full-color transparencies. Students use maps and
  additional resources to answer questions based on
  the five themes of geography (location, place,
  relationships within places, movement, and
  regions) and to study such varied features as
  elevation, climate, national boundaries,
  capitals, vegetation, and population.
• Globali Junior Atlas Learning place name
  geography is made fun and easy through this
  ingenious hands-on memory game. Visual, verbal,
  and writing mnemonics are employed to help
  students remember the names, shapes, and
  locations of countries around the world. The kit
  contains ten laminated maps bound in a booklet
  (five maps labeled, five blank, covering Africa,
  Asia, Europe, and North and South America), 150
  suggested mnemonics, an erasable marking pen, and
  a self-scoring rubric.

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Student References

• Learning about Maps Encourage children to create
  their own street maps, maps of places in their
  school and community, maps of pretend places, or
  treasure maps. Send home paper and ask children
  to make maps of their bedrooms. Children will
  also enjoy using rulers or a yardstick to make
  lines and borders for their maps.
• Foam Maps From the tip of Maine to the shores of
  Hawaii, from the Rio Grande to the chilly Alaskan
  tundra, the United States is filled with amazing
  sights to see -- so why not encourage your child
  to explore the world with this vibrant map
  puzzle? Perfect for learning about states,
  capitals, landmarks, and wildlife, this durable
  54-piece puzzle will certainly satisfy your
  junior geographer. Learning Highlights develops
  geography knowledge, builds problem-solving
  skills, and encourages a curiosity to learn about
  the world.
• Maps Workbook Maps skills have never been so
  much fun! This full-color workbook is packed with
  engaging maps and activities that will make
  learning map skills a snap. Key topics covered
  include location words and cardinal directions
  map keys and symbols latitude and longitude and
  road maps, resource maps, product maps and lots
  more.

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Continued Student References

• My Map Book This book is by Sara Fanelli and
  shows children that there are different kinds of
  maps (besides the usual kinds). The book includes
  maps of the heart, a child's bedroom, the dog,
  and other items you would not have imagined!
• Create Your Own Map Allows students to utilize
  mapping skills learned to create their own map
  online.
• State-By-State Maps Colorful two-page spreads
  detail 50 states in seven regions plus the
  District of Columbia and four island territories.
  State descriptions have maps, captioned photos,
  famous-native profiles, thumbnail facts (state
  symbols and flag), and brief articles that cover
  history, origin of the state's name, scenic
  places, economy, geography, climate, and more.
  Regional introductions feature maps and timelines
  of key dates.

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Student References

• Map Desk pad Markable and washable laminated desk
  maps come in packs of ten. A five-color scheme
  distinguishes nations (or states in the U.S.
  map), shaded relief indicates mountain ranges,
  and rivers are shown in unusual detail.
• Children's Atlas Packed with illustrations,
  paintings, photos, and informative text, this
  inviting atlas takes kids around the country to
  study the historical, physical, and unique
  features of each state. Presented in alphabetical
  order, states are given a two-page spread that
  includes a sidebar describing state facts and a
  timeline of important historic events across the
  bottom. The actual state maps show key cities,
  national parks, and physical features in shaded
  relief. An index of major places found on all the
  maps (plus a state reference list) completes this
  colorful resource. Grades K3.

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Student Reference

• Student World Puzzle
• Vibrant colors and quirky illustrations let kids
  travel the world while improving their motor and
  reading skills. Oceans teem with fish and ships,
  while continents bustle with animals and plants,
  as well as with people and landmarks representing
  various cultures. 24 jumbo pieces come in a
  sturdy box with a colorful rope handle.

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Media References

• Beginning Geography Introducing basic concepts
  and encouraging connections between school and
  the world we live in. (Reproducible)
• Finding Your Way Grade 1 Topics small-area
  maps, directionality concepts, pictorial symbols,
  cardinal directions, and regions of the U.S.
  (Book)
• Map Skills for Children DVD Using Washington,
  D.C., as a backdrop, this whimsical and
  fast-paced series not only instructs students in
  the practical skills of map reading and map
  making, but also explores the evolution of maps.
• Maps Across America Topics covered in book
  cities, capitals, boundaries, individual states,
  and regions of the U.S. Straightforward text and
  detailed maps and illustrations complement
  spectacular aerial and up-close photographs.
  Grades K3.

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More Media References

• U.S. and World Maps and Globe Set Aimed at
  helping students in grades 24 transition from
  the simplest to more complex maps and globes.
• Kidspiration Computer software designed to aid
  in students learning of new concepts and to
  create webs or maps of knowledge.
• Internet Field Trip Maps, Globes, and Map Skills
  - Provides web sites with information on maps,
  globes, and map skills. Includes resources for
  students learning to read maps with longitude and
  latitude.
• Success With Maps This is a series of teacher
  references and workbook pages to aid in student
  leaning of maps.
• Small Worlds Maps and Mapmaking by Karen Romano
  Young Learn the language of maps, how to make
  them, how to use them, and who creates them.
  Small Worlds makes map skills fun. The story of
  maps touches on history, science, geography,
  math, art history, engineering, and much, much
  more. You will discover that there are maps all
  around you and come to appreciate their beauty
  and usefulness.
• Maps for the Overhead Neighborhoods and
  Communities These three collections of
  full-color transparencies, accompanied by
  mini-lessons and activities, open up a whole new
  world for students and teachers alike. Young
  students learn how to read a map and map key,
  find directions using a compass rose, navigate a
  floor plan, interpret symbols, and more.

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More Media References

• Discovering Maps A Childrens World Atlas This
  atlas has an easy-to-follow format using bright
  colors and interesting facts to help make
  learning about the world exciting for students.
  This up-to-date children's atlas introduces
  geographic terms such as scale, distance,
  longitude, latitude and direction with
  easy-to-read text and diagrams, maps, and
  full-color illustrations. Other features include
  colorful political and thematic maps of the world
  and all seven continents and a handy continent
  comparison chart.
• Geography Songs for Children Makes education fun
  when singing about maps and other locations for
  teaching.
• Readers Theater Students can write out their
  own plays and act them out for the given subject
  area or topic. Students are not only reiterating
  what skills they know on the topic, but students
  are also developing reading and writing skills as
  well.

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More Media References

• Treasure Maps Invite your child to bury an
  imaginary treasure, then make a simple map and
  provide clues to its location.
• Map Games Kids will love reading street and road
  maps, identifying foreign countries, map symbols,
  land and water formations, determining longitude
  and latitude, and more!
• Me on the Map written by Joan Sweeney and Annette
  Cable In a playful introduction to maps and
  geography, step by step, a young girl shows
  readers where she is on a map of her room, her
  room on the map of her house, her house on the
  map of her street - on and on to her country on a
  map of the world.
• Maps for Kids Website Created originally as
  learning tools for students in elementary school.
  Our colorful maps and placemats assist children
  in mastering their geography skills, while
  learning fun historical facts and trivia. In
  addition to being child-friendly, adults will
  find our United States history maps, Lewis
  Clark maps, and Montana history maps a useful
  teaching aid for their children while brushing
  up on their own history and geography knowledge!

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More Media References

• American State Capitals Just the Facts To
  challenge viewers, each capitol city is
  identified onscreen only after several clues have
  been given. For example, "This city is home to
  the largest urban colony of bats nesting under
  its Congress Avenue bridge." With views of 50
  capitals (capitol buildings and downtown areas
  always shown), this enjoyable
• video neatly combines history and geography
  facts.
• Animated Atlas Artfully blending history with
  geography, computer-animated maps help students
  visualize the where, when, and why of major
  historical turning points. Overlaid arrows and
  captions, onscreen dates, period illustrations or
  archival film, and crisp narration deepen the
  viewer's appreciation for unfolding events.
  Color. 2030 minutes

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More Media References

• Fifty States, Fifty Capitals
• A lively state-by-state tour of the U.S.
  focusing on geography, history, and climate. The
  state profiles also include a wealth of
  information on major industries and the economy,
  and wonderful trivia about what makes each state
  unique. (Did you know that jousting is the
  official sport of Maryland?) Divided by region,
  the programs cover New England and the
  mid-Atlantic states, the South and the Southwest,
  the Midwest and the Great Plains, and the West,
  Alaska, and Hawaii. Grades 48. Color. Total
  time 112 minutes.