1. Teaching about Map Symbols.
You will need a variety of maps, such as: tourist maps, road maps etc. Try to have a map for each pair of children.
Method:Introduction: project an image of a map using an OHP or data projector. (For example: a map of the local area can be used.)
Discussion: Choose an area of the map to examine and ask children how they might make a map key to help a younger class to understand what is depicted.
Making map symbols
Example of different map symbols
Making map symbols
Making map symbols
Example of different map symbols
Show children an example of some simple map symbols. (The one shown to the left was taken from the section Raheny in Geography 5th 6th)
Activity: Distribute a map and a small white square to each pair. Ask them to study an area of their map and to construct a map key using no more than five symbols.
They will have to illustrate these as a key to the map and place them in the white square and attach them to the map.
2. Making a Map
- Involves assembling, and processing data and symbolically displaying all information in a meaningful functional portrayal- visual.
- Simplicity- being clear and uncomplicated is important.
3. Scale
For fifth and sixth class level, the examples of scale do not have to be complex ones. The main aim of should be to develop children's confidence in estimating distances on a map.
Methods:
- Show children some examples of how scale is shown.
- Show these in relation to simple drawings or treasure maps etc.
- Get children comfortable with the idea of scale by showing them examples of the different types of map scales. Some scales use simple scale bars which would allow children to capture the distance using a ruler, twine or their fingers.
- Make a chart or flashcards with examples of different types of map scales and get the children to find other examples.
- Explain that older maps often refer to miles and help children to convert these to kilometers.