Lesson Plan
Map Detectives Lesson Plan
Students will learn to read and interpret maps by identifying symbols, using a legend, measuring distances with a scale, and finding compass directions to enhance geographic literacy.
Understanding maps builds spatial awareness, critical thinking, and real-world navigation skills. This lesson empowers 3rd graders to make sense of geographic information encountered in daily life.
Audience
3rd Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Hands-on map activities with guided practice and group collaboration.
Materials
- Sample City Map, - Map Symbol Key Handout, - Compass Rose Poster, - Scaled Distance Worksheet, - Map Reading Exit Ticket, - Pencils, and - Rulers
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print copies of Sample City Map for each pair of students
- Print copies of Map Symbol Key Handout
- Print copies of Scaled Distance Worksheet
- Print copies of Map Reading Exit Ticket
- Display the Compass Rose Poster in a visible classroom spot
- Gather pencils and rulers for each student
Step 1
Introduction to Maps
5 minutes
- Gather students and ask if anyone has used a map before
- Show the Compass Rose Poster and explain North, South, East, and West
- Display the Sample City Map, pointing out the legend, symbols, and scale
- Use the Map Symbol Key Handout to explain common map symbols
Step 2
Symbol Scavenger Hunt
8 minutes
- Distribute the Sample City Map and Map Symbol Key Handout to pairs of students
- In pairs, students use the key to identify and list five symbols they find on the map
- Call on volunteers to share one symbol and explain its meaning
Step 3
Scale Practice
7 minutes
- Explain the concept of map scale (e.g., 1 cm = 1 km)
- Hand out the Scaled Distance Worksheet and rulers
- Students measure distances between two landmarks on the Sample City Map and record the real-world distances
Step 4
Compass Directions Activity
5 minutes
- Ask students to work in groups of three and choose any two landmarks on the Sample City Map
- Using the Compass Rose Poster, each group states the compass direction from one landmark to the other
- Rotate roles so each student practices giving directions
Step 5
Exit Ticket Assessment
5 minutes
- Distribute the Map Reading Exit Ticket to each student
- Students individually answer three quick questions: identify a symbol, measure a distance, and state a direction
- Collect exit tickets to assess understanding
Slide Deck
Map Detectives
Reading Maps: Symbols, Scale, and Directions
Welcome students! Today we become Map Detectives. Explain that maps help us find places and understand our world. Outline that we’ll learn symbols, scales, and compass directions through fun activities.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
• Identify common map symbols using a legend
• Measure real-world distances with a map scale
• Determine compass directions between landmarks
Read the objectives out loud. Encourage students to repeat each one.
Introduction to Maps
• What is a map?
• Key parts of a map: title, legend, scale, compass rose
• How maps help us travel and explore
Ask: “Who has looked at a map before?” Show the Compass Rose Poster. Point out North, South, East, West. Display the Sample City Map and highlight the legend.
Map Symbols
Common Symbols:
🏠 House
⛽ Gas Station
🏥 Hospital
🌳 Park
🚏 Bus Stop
Use your handout to decode other symbols.
Hand out the Map Symbol Key Handout. Explain that each symbol stands for a place or feature on the map.
Symbol Scavenger Hunt
- In pairs, find five symbols on the map.
- Write each symbol and its meaning.
- Be ready to share one symbol with the class.
Divide students into pairs. Give each pair a Sample City Map and the handout. Circulate to support and ask partners to explain one symbol they find.
Understanding Map Scale
• Scale example: 1 cm = 1 km
• 2 cm on the map = 2 km in real life
• Why scales matter when planning trips
Explain that map scale shows how distances on the map relate to real distances. Show a ruler and point to the scale on the map.
Scale Practice
- Measure the distance between two landmarks on the Sample City Map.
- Multiply by the scale to find real distance.
- Record your answers on the worksheet.
Give students the Scaled Distance Worksheet and rulers. Model measuring one pair of landmarks together.
Compass Directions
• North, South, East, West
• Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, Northwest
• Use the compass rose to determine direction
Review the compass directions on the Compass Rose Poster. Demonstrate pointing from one landmark to another and naming the direction.
Compass Directions Activity
- Pick two landmarks on the Sample City Map.
- One student asks: “Which direction is Landmark B from Landmark A?”
- Take turns so everyone practices.
Organize students into groups of three. Remind them to use polite turn-taking when giving directions.
Exit Ticket Assessment
Answer three quick questions:
- Identify one symbol and its meaning
- Measure a distance and calculate real miles/km
- State the compass direction between two points
Turn in your exit ticket when finished.
Distribute the Map Reading Exit Ticket. Explain that this checks their skills independently.
Worksheet
Map Symbol Key Handout
Common Map Symbols
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 🏠 | House |
| ⛽ | Gas Station |
| 🏥 | Hospital |
| 🌳 | Park |
| 🚏 | Bus Stop |
Decode These Symbols
Write the meaning next to each symbol:
🍔 Meaning:
⛪ Meaning:
🎡 Meaning:
⛲ Meaning:
🛣️ Meaning:
Worksheet
Scaled Distance Worksheet
Instructions: The scale on the Sample City Map is 1 cm = 1 km. Use a ruler to measure the straight-line distance between each pair of landmarks on the map. Then convert your measurement to a real-world distance, showing your work.
- Measure the distance from City Hall to Fire Station on the map.• Map distance: __________ cm
• Calculation (map distance × scale): __________ cm × 1 km/cm = __________ km
- Measure the distance from Library to Soccer Field on the map.• Map distance: __________ cm
• Calculation (map distance × scale): __________ cm × 1 km/cm = __________ km
- Measure the distance from Park to Hospital on the map.• Map distance: __________ cm
• Calculation (map distance × scale): __________ cm × 1 km/cm = __________ km
- Your Turn: Pick two landmarks of your choice on the Sample City Map. Write their names and measure the distance.• Landmark 1: ___________________________
• Landmark 2: ___________________________
• Map distance: __________ cm
• Calculation (map distance × scale): __________ cm × 1 km/cm = __________ km
- Application Question: If you walked from City Hall to Fire Station at a speed of 5 km per hour, how long would the trip take? Show your work step by step.• Real distance (from question 1): __________ km
• Time = distance ÷ speed = __________ km ÷ 5 km/h = __________ hours
• Convert hours to minutes: __________ hours × 60 minutes/hour = __________ minutes
When you finish, check your measurements and calculations, then turn this worksheet in to your teacher.
Worksheet
Map Reading Exit Ticket
Name: _____________________ Date: _____________________
1. Symbol Identification
On the Sample City Map, find the symbol for a hospital. Copy the symbol below and write its meaning.
Symbol: _____________________ Meaning: _____________________
2. Scale Measurement
Using the scale on the map (1 cm = 1 km), measure the distance from City Hall to Fire Station. Record your measurement and calculate the real-world distance.
• Map distance: __________ cm
• Real distance: __________ km
3. Compass Direction
On the Sample City Map, determine the compass direction from Park to Library. Write your answer below.
Direction: _____________________