Lesson Plan
Map It Out!
Students will be able to read a basic map, identify key landmarks, and give clear, concise directions from one point to another.
Understanding how to read maps and give directions is a crucial life skill that helps individuals navigate unfamiliar places, plan routes, and communicate effectively, fostering independence and problem-solving abilities.
Audience
7th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive instruction and practical application.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Map It Out! Slide Deck, Warm Up: Where Am I Going?, Activity: Direction Challenge, Cool Down: Exit Ticket, Printed basic maps (1 per student or pair), and Pens/Pencils
Prep
Prepare Materials
15 minutes
- Review the Map It Out! Slide Deck and practice the presentation.
- Print copies of the basic maps (one per student or pair). Consider drawing a simple fictional town map with a few key landmarks (e.g., school, park, library, store, gas station, cafe).
- Prepare copies of the Warm Up: Where Am I Going? handout.
- Prepare copies of the Activity: Direction Challenge instructions and any necessary materials.
- Prepare copies of the Cool Down: Exit Ticket.
- Ensure projector/whiteboard is set up and ready.
Step 1
Warm-Up: Where Am I Going?
5 minutes
- Distribute the Warm Up: Where Am I Going? handout.
- Ask students to silently complete the warm-up, thinking about how they navigate familiar places.
- Briefly discuss their responses as a class, focusing on keywords they use for directions (e.g., 'turn left,' 'go straight').
Step 2
Introduction to Maps & Directions
10 minutes
- Present the Map It Out! Slide Deck to introduce basic map elements (compass rose, scale, legend/key) and essential direction vocabulary (north, south, east, west, left, right, straight, intersection, landmark).
- Use Slide 3 to explain the compass rose. Use Slide 4 to explain the map key/legend. Use Slide 5 to discuss landmarks.
- Engage students with questions like: 'Why is it important to know north, south, east, and west?' or 'What are some common landmarks you use?'
- Model how to give clear directions using a simple example on the board or a projected map.
Step 3
Activity: Direction Challenge
10 minutes
- Distribute the printed basic maps and explain the Activity: Direction Challenge.
- Students will work in pairs or small groups.
- Each group will choose two points on the map and write down clear directions from the starting point to the destination.
- Circulate around the room, providing support and checking for understanding. Encourage students to use descriptive language and map elements.
Step 4
Cool Down: Exit Ticket
5 minutes
- Distribute the Cool Down: Exit Ticket.
- Have students complete the exit ticket independently to assess their understanding of map elements and their ability to give a simple direction.
- Collect the exit tickets as students leave to gauge comprehension and inform future instruction.
Slide Deck
Map It Out! Navigate Your World 🗺️
Learning to read maps and give directions like a pro!
Welcome students and introduce the exciting topic of maps and directions! Emphasize the real-world relevance of these skills.
What Are Maps, Anyway?
- Maps help us find our way! They are visual representations of an area.
- They show us where places are and how to get from one place to another.
- Maps are super useful for travel, planning, and even everyday tasks!
Ask students: 'When have you used a map before?' or 'Why do you think it's important to understand maps?' Briefly discuss their responses.
Map Basics: The Compass Rose 🧭
- The Compass Rose shows us direction.
- North (N), South (S), East (E), West (W) are the main directions.
- Knowing these helps us understand a map's orientation!
Explain the four cardinal directions and how the compass rose helps us orient ourselves on a map. Practice identifying directions in the classroom.
Map Basics: Keys & Legends 🔑
- The Map Key or Legend explains the symbols and colors used on a map.
- Each symbol represents something real, like a park, a school, or a hospital.
- Without a key, a map is just a pretty picture!
Explain that the key/legend is like a secret code for the map. Ask students to brainstorm symbols they might see on a map.
Using Landmarks for Directions 📍
- A landmark is an easily recognizable feature.
- It helps people know where they are or where to turn.
- Think of a big tree, a unique building, or a specific sign!
Discuss what landmarks are and how they are used to give directions. Ask students to name landmarks in their own neighborhood or school.
Giving Clear Directions ➡️
- Use specific words: Turn left, Turn right, Go straight.
- Mention distances: Go for two blocks, Walk about 5 minutes.
- Point out landmarks: Turn right at the big oak tree.
- Be precise: Your destination will be on your left.
Introduce common directional vocabulary. Emphasize clarity and conciseness when giving directions. Model an example if possible.
Time for a Direction Challenge! 🗺️
- Now it's your turn to practice!
- You will get a map and work with a partner.
- Your goal: choose two spots and write clear directions from one to the other.
- Remember to use all the map skills we just learned!
Introduce the activity. Explain that they will be using a map to give directions.
You're a Map Master! 🚀
- Today, we learned how to read maps and give awesome directions.
- These skills will help you navigate your world with confidence!
- Keep exploring and mapping!
Wrap up the lesson, reminding students of the importance of these skills.
Warm Up
Warm Up: Where Am I Going?
Think about a familiar route you take every day, like walking from your classroom to the cafeteria, or from your house to a friend's house.
1. Describe the steps you take to get from your starting point to your destination.
2. What important things (landmarks) do you pass along the way that help you know where to go?
3. Why is it important to be able to describe how to get from one place to another?
Activity
Activity: Direction Challenge
Objective: Work with a partner to practice reading a map and giving clear directions.
Materials:
* Printable Map: Fictional Town
* Pencil/Pen
* Map It Out! Slide Deck (for reference)
Instructions:
1. Get into pairs or small groups.
2. Look at your map. Take a moment to identify the compass rose, the map key/legend, and any landmarks.
3. Choose two points on the map:
* One starting point (e.g.,
Worksheet
Printable Map: Fictional Town
Objective: Use this map to practice giving and following directions.
---
N
^
|
W <-----> E
|
v
S
---
## Map Key:
* H = Hospital
* S = School
* P = Park
* L = Library
* G = Grocery Store
* C = Coffee Shop
* F = Fire Station
---
## Fictional Town Layout
(Main Street)
<br/>------------------------------------------------------------------<br/>| H | | S | | P |<br/>|-----|-----------|-----------|-----------|-----|<br/>| | | | | |<br/>|-----|-----------|-----------|-----------|-----|<br/>| L | | G | | C |<br/>------------------------------------------------------------------<br/> (Oak Avenue)<br/>------------------------------------------------------------------<br/>| | | | | |<br/>|-----|-----------|-----------|-----------|-----|<br/>| | | | | |<br/>|-----|-----------|-----------|-----------|-----|<br/>| F | | | | |<br/>------------------------------------------------------------------<br/>
Instructions: Work with your partner to choose a starting point and a destination. Then, write out clear, step-by-step directions to get from the start to the end. Remember to use the compass rose, map key, and landmarks!