Summary of the activity

By using the transcription of the video entitled Lets

not lose our bearings, students will identify certain
scientifc and technical words in order to make up
their own defnitions.
Goal of the activity
Students will learn scientifc vocabulary allowing
them to better understand concepts specifc to
mapping.
Time required
1 to 2 periods
Description of the activity
Preparation
The teacher can introduce the activity by presenting
the necessity for inhabitants of a country to better
know its land and how mapping is used to do this. It
would be interesting to begin a discussion with the
students by asking them, for example, to identify
gadgets or activities that humans do where there is
a need for mapping or maps. This would allow the
teacher to see where the students are at in terms of
their knowledge about the topic and evaluate their
progression at the end of the activity.
Materials:
For the in-class presentation: a computer, a
multimedia projector
For the actual carrying-out of the activity: Access
to dictionaries and encyclopaedias
Develop a vocabulary list
Getting a better understanding of mapping
Level Primary Cycle Three
Subject Area Competencies
Languages Cross-curricular:
To communicate
appropriately
English
Language Arts
Subject-specifc:
To read and listen to literary,
popular and information-
based texts
To write self-expressive,
narrative and information-
based texts
Mathematics,
Science and
Technology
Cross-curricular: To adopt
efective work methods
Science and
Technology
Subject-specifc:
To make the most of scientifc
and technological tools,
objects and procedures
To communicate in the
languages used in science and
technology
Social
Sciences
Cross-curricular: To use
information
Geography Subject-specifc:
To be open to the diversity of
societies and their territories
To understand the
organisation of a society in its
territory
Lead-up
A specialist is invited to come and make a
presentation on the mapping of your area and
you want to understand what s/he will share with
you. You decide to make a vocabulary list from the
transcription of the video entitled Lets not lose our
bearings allowing you to better grasp new words
and reuse them when interacting with the specialist.
Steps:
Watch the video entitled Lets not lose our
bearings (length 7:24 minutes).
Present the activity: Make a vocabulary list of
technological and scientifc vocabulary used in
the video. Students have to write the defnitions
using their own words.
Give or have the students select the words to
defne in class (This is done by using the transcrip-
tion of the video.). This list should contain from 15
to 20 words.
Form teams of 2 to 3 students per team and give
the instructions (what a defnition should contain,
the time allowed for research, available tools, etc.).
Students write out their defnitions.
Return to class in order to complete the
vocabulary list as a team.
The video can be watched a second time
(naturally during another period) and an in-class
discussion can ensue in order to ascertain the
students comprehension and if there was progress.
To further your knowledge
Detailed information on maps can be found on Natural
Resources Canada site
http://atlas.nrcan.gc.ca/site/english/learningresources/carto_
corner/maps.html/document_view
Mapping terminology
http://maps.nrcan.gc.ca/topo101/terms_e.php
On standards and specifcations
http://maps.nrcan.gc.ca/cartospecs/index_e.php
Information on surveying, GPS and topographic maps
http://ess.nrcan.gc.ca/mapcar/index_e.php
Education Material: fact sheets (in PDF format)
http://www.geod.nrcan.gc.ca/edu/index_e.php
Aerial photography (principles, technical concepts and air
photo interpretation as well as a few sample air photos)
http://photosaeriennes.rncan.gc.ca/index_e.php