Social Studies - Mapping

A template based on Understanding by Design

Mapping

3-4

Title of Unit

Grade
Level
Social Studies

Subject

Time
Frame
Nisha Lowther

Developed By

Stage 1 Desired Results

Curricular Content:
Use Social Studies inquiry process and skills to: ask questions; gather, interpret, and analyze ideas; and communicate
findings and decisions
Identify the significance of symbols and colors on a map
Interpret information on simple maps using cardinal directions, symbols and legends
Create simple maps to represent the community and one or more other communities within BC and Canada
Use simple map grids to identify specific locations

Unit Theme/Issue of Inquiry/Narrative

This unit is about learning how to read and use a map, and to understand the importance of the features of a map.
This will be new information for the grade three students, but review for the grade four students.

Rationale: Mapping allows for students to learn how to get around places all over world as it is an international
language.

Understandings: Maps allow us to understand Essential Questions:

spatial awareness of places, such as schools and Why are maps made?
What purpose do maps serve?
our home to the world.

How do maps provide more information than the written

word can?

Stage 2 Assessment Evidence

Formative Assessments

Worksheets and observations on the different skills on

reading a map
I.e. Knowing the importance of colours, symbols,
coordinates, using a compass, lines

Summative Assessments
Create my own island project

Stage 3 Learning Plan

Should be Differentiated
Potential Barriers to Success / Areas to Differentiate:

Might include: engagement, motivation, language ability, exceptionalities, reading level,

Introducing the Unit: Read a book and show them google maps, which is what my students are used to seeing
Sequence of Lessons: The basics of what you plan to do in each lesson of the unit.

Lesson
Title

Lesson Activities (Learning Experiences)

Assessm
ent

Resource
s

1
Intro
2
Compass

Direction
s game

Read a story about mapping (Where I Live)

Start discussion on what is a map and what it contains
The different viewpoints on a map using google maps
What is a compass rose?
Cardinal Directions
Make your own compass activity
Navigation - Sextant, GPS
Students will create a pair of dice, one that lists a cardinal direction on
each side and the other with a form of movement (ie running, crab walk,
jump)
Go out to gravel field and play the directions game as a group
Then break off into smaller groups to play

Symbols/
Colour

Have a discussion on the different types of symbols found on a map

Discuss the importance of the colours on a map
Play a game of bingo using the symbols on a map

Legend

Discuss what is a legend and what it is used for

As a class, create a legend of an already made map

6
Coordina
tes
7

Practice coordinates by playing a game of battleship

Create
your own
map

Bingo
Game

Discuss what the letters and numbers on the boarder of the map mean
Practice using the coordinates on worksheet

Battleshi
p
8

Observe
them
playing
compass
game

Students will be given a rubric listing what they will need to include on
their map
Create a map of their own fantasy island
Along with the map, students need to write a mini description about their
fantasy island: location, who lives there, how many people, what is on
the island, what is there to do

Observe
them
playing
the game
Observe

10

Create
your own
map
Create
your own
map

Classroom time to work on their map

Observe

Classroom time to work on their map

Mark their
projects