Lesson Plan: Maps of Surface Features
This lesson plan includes the objectives, prerequisites, and exclusions of the lesson teaching students how to create, describe, and use maps of Earth’s surface features.
Objectives
Students will be able to
- understand that a map is a drawing of an area of Earth’s surface,
- identify and understand how to use a key on a map,
- identify and understand how to use a compass rose on a map,
- identify and describe different landforms and bodies of water on a map,
- draw a map of a local space, like a schoolyard,
- explain the use of different maps for different purposes; for example, some maps show surface features while others show cities and towns,
- use maps to gather information about an area of land or a body of water.
Prerequisites
Students should already be familiar with
- describing different landforms and bodies of water on Earth’s surface,
- identifying both liquid and frozen water on a map,
- the four cardinal directions: north, south, east, and west.
Exclusions
Students will not cover
- contour lines.
