Types of Maps Teacher Resources

In this primary source analysis activity, students respond to 6 short answer questions that require them to analyze the maps of their choice.

After examining a map from 1803 and 2003, they explore how to become map readers. They describe what they see on the map from 1803 and compare the information to the map from 2003. Students create their own map of the neighborhood that...

Students study estuaries and their boundaries.  In this investigative lesson students locate an estuary on a map and use nautical and topographical maps. 

Fourth graders identify the counties of Arizona. In this social studies lesson, 4th graders color a county map of Arizona using the fewest number of colors possible. Students write a persuasive paragraph.

Learners begin the lesson by developing a map of their lives. Individually, they take this information and write a personal narrative. They create symbols to represent the various times in their lives and introduce them into their...

Learners draw animals and plants that are described to them as they read passages of people who traveled across the Gila Trail in the Southwest. In this Gila Trail lesson plan, students also write a letter describing a plant or animal in...

Students study the names of all fifty states, their capitols, location on a map, and an economic resource of each state. They complete a matching game activity.

Students use the Internet to investigate earthquakes and plate tectonics. In this plate tectonics lesson, students complete a web quest with multiple links and activity types relating to earthquakes and volcanoes. They connect the...

Students practice using vocabulary terms about the Louisiana Purchase by creating a picture dictionary, an ABC book of terms, a word sort, or a game. Each project should include people, places and terms as they relate to the Louisiana...

Eighth graders compare a present-day social issue with a medieval issue. They use technology tools to conduct their research and demonstrate their new knowledge. Students present their findings to the class in the form of a PowerPoint.

Students select a country and conduct research on the culture, population, geography, and government of their country. They conduct research using the Internet and a variety of resource books, and write and publish a report that...

Sixth graders use the internet as well as personal interviews to research refugees and refugee status from a Canadian and international perspective.

Students research the culture and geography of India and England while reading "The Secret Garden". Using this information, they write at least three predictions about what they believe might happen in the story. Using the Internet,...

In this geography activity, students complete a crossword puzzle about the Pacific Islands. The twenty-three clues are about capitals, countries, and terrain.

Learners explore and analyze data from different maps in order to explain geographic diversity among the continents. Student groups research continents' physical features and examine how they contribute to quality of life for inhabitants.

Fifth graders extend their knowledge of developing maps. They work in cooperative groups to develop an amusement park display and a brochure.

Eighth graders study an online atlas of Canada to research an early explorer.

Students are introduced to simple maps and view a map of a classroom and compare distances of items shown.

Fourth graders collect and explore different maps and their uses before using the program Pixie to create maps of geographic features, political features, and economic information for the state in which they live.

First graders examine the differences between a map and a globe. They discuss and identify the symbols on maps and globes, then in small groups complete a worksheet. Students then complete a Venn Diagram comparing maps and globes.

Sixth graders create a map to locate places on campus and share the map with another student. The other students use the map to locate certain places and validate for accuracy via a checklist. The parents use the completed map at open...

Students, working in groups, share notes and maps collected during a study of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. They draw large composite maps of the western United States on butcher paper including land formations, bodies of water, and...

Students create a mental map of San Francisco. They compare it with actual topographical maps of the city. Then they label various locations on the San Francisco Hillshade map and locate watershed boundaries.

Seventh graders analyze various maps.  In this Geography lesson, 7th graders create a large map as a whole class.  Students write a letter to Mr. Waldseemuller.