Maps

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

Get started with a video about the different types of maps.

While you are watching, write down on paper five different things maps can show you.

Next, read Why use Maps? to learn more about the usefulness of maps and how we use them today.

The first and most important part of the map is the title. The title tells you what the map is showing.

For example, look at the map below. The title is in the upper right corner.

• What does the title tell you about the map?

Another important part of a map is the scale. The scale tells you the relationship between the actual distance on the earth and the distance on the map.

The Map of Oakland and Vicinity above has a scale drawn right below the title in the upper right-hand corner of the map.

A key or map legend is another important part of a map. The key tells you about important landmarks on the map.

The Map of Oakland and Vicinity above has a key in the lower left-hand corner, which shows the different railways in the city.

The last important part of a map is the compass rose. The compass rose tells the map reader the four directions: north, east, south, and west.

Watch the following video to review the different parts of a map:

Continue to the Got It? section to make a map of a familiar place!