Michael Lamb

Lesson Plan Introduction

Topic: Geography Cardinal Directions Length of Lesson (estimated): 30 40 minutes

VA Standards of Learning: WG 2.6 The student will demonstrate map skills by constructing simple maps, using map title, map legend, and compass rose Cognitive Objectives Students will:

Demonstrate the ability to use the compass rose to indicate directions. Create and use simple map symbols. Create a map of a familiar area. Demonstrate how to use a map legend.

Materials/Technology and Advanced Preparation Class set of compasses

Bednarz, Robert, Dr., Harcourt Horizons: States and Regions, 2003, Vol. 1 Sketching of an UNLABELED school floor plan on a transparency. Construction paper (white and colored), scissors, rulers, colored markers. Ritchie, S., Follow That Map, Kids Can Press, Limited, Feb. 2009

Teaching and Learning Sequence Introduction/Anticipatory Set Using students prior knowledge, create a list of reasons for using maps on a KWL chart.

Read Follow That Map by Scot Ritchie

Lesson Development Model how to use a map title, legend, and a compass rose using the sketched map of our schools floor plan on an overhead transparency. Using the list of details from our introduction, I will create a legend box; create a title; and a compass rose (asking students to raise their hand to provide their suggestions for both legend symbols and cardinal directions.

Closure

Ask volunteers to identify a destination (cafeteria, playground), as well as, students to call out the direction I should travel (and why) to be able to get to the destination quickly and safely. Working in groups, students will create and label their own map of the classroom.

Remind students of how they are using a mental map of their environment everyday (from riding their bikes to a friends house to navigating their way through Kings Dominion. Think-Pair-Share activity: Instruct students to share what they have learned from the map creating activity.

Michael Lamb

Homework

Ask the students to make a scaled map of their room and ask a sibling or parent to navigate to their hidden treasure by following the legend.

Assessment Formative Assess prior knowledge while creating the list on the board.

Move through the room as the small groups are creating their maps, listening and observing for correct application of skills.

References Bednarz, Robert, Dr., Harcourt Horizons: States and Regions, 2003, Vol. 1 Ritchie, S., Follow That Map, Kids Can Press, Limited, Feb. 2009 Appended Materials VA SOL Standards WG 2.6 Differentiated Instruction Organizer