Third graders learn how to read a map, using the compass rose, map key, symbols, and scale to find directions and places, and check what they know.
Students will be able to…
A map is full of symbols, colors, and directions. What are the parts of a map, and how do you use them to find your way?
Project this and answer each question about the parts of a map and how to read them — read the explanation after each one.
Tap any phase to open the teacher moves and student actions.
A map is full of lines, colors, and tiny pictures. Once you know what they mean, you can find any place. What tools does a map give you?
Students answer questions about reading a map.
Students read symbols from a key.
Students map a route with directions.
Students reflect on map reading.
Aligned to the C3 Framework for Social Studies and Common Core literacy in social studies.
Construct maps and other representations to display information about places.
Use maps and other tools to explain relationships between locations.
Use maps to explain how a place's features shape where people live.
Use information from illustrations and words to show understanding of a text.
Preview the three formative checks. Tap “Sample answer” to see what mastery looks like — hide them before you print for students.
Have students pick a start and end, draw a route, and name the directions they travel, so map tools become something they use. A printable map-reading worksheet is in the Social Studies library.
Tap a card to flip it, then rate whether you knew it. Built from this lesson’s vocabulary.
A quick self-check with instant feedback, drawn from this lesson’s key terms.
A print-and-go review sheet with a built-in answer key. Tap “Show answer key” to reveal answers, or print the clean version for students.