Social Studies

After learning about using maps as a reference resource, students will create a map of their own bedroom that includes all of the important features of a map.

30 min.

1

• Me on the Map by Joan Sweeney
• Mapping Penny’s World by Loreen Leedy
• School and community maps
• Room map template (see attached)

Sequence of Tasks:

1. Teacher will begin by taking students on an imaginary field trip using the following prompt: Take the class on a ride. Tell them you are going on a journey to Lagoon. The teacher is the driver. As you drive along, point out different sites you see. At some point, pull the car over and tell them that you are lost and don't know which way to go. Ask the students what you could do to help you reach your destination, leading the discussion to the importance of knowing how to use maps to help you get to where you want to go. Suggested Car Riding Sequence:

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  • Get in the car and explain you need to find a particular amusement park.
  • Buckle seat belts.
  • Roll down your window so you can get a good view.
  • Start the car.
  • Drive.
  • Spot a grocery store.
  • Spot a post office.
  • Make a left turn.
  • Spot a zoo.
  • Spot a fire station.
  • Make a right turn.
  • Make another right turn.
  • Make another right turn.
  • It should be right here but it is not.
  • Try the dirt road.
  • Hit lots of bumps.
  • Hit a skunk.
  • This is probably not the way to the amusement park.
  • Try a steep hill.
  • Go down the steep hill.
  • Drive on the winding road.
  • I give up. I don't think we can find the amusement park this way.
  • I wonder what we could do to find the amusement park.

1. Show the students a school and community map so that they can see how a map could help us if we were lost.

1. After taking the ride, read the book Me on the Map. Emphasize that the book starts with a room and eventually covers a wider view of maps. Compare this to a bird. A bird can see a lot more than a person can. Maps can be used to locate information in a small area or a large area.
2. View a few pages with maps in Mapping Penny’s World. Discuss the important features of a map.
3. As a class, create a map of the classroom, being sure to include the important features we talked about. (title, key, symbols, compass rose)
4. After creating the classroom map together, allow students to practice on their own. Have them create a map of their room at home, being sure that they include the key map features we talked about during our discussion.