Center 1 – Atlas Comparison
Materials Needed: 2 different Atlases, Atlas comparison worksheet
1. Browse through each Atlas
2. Notice differences
3. Fill out the Atlas Comparison Worksheet
4. Each student create their own Atlas page of a place they want to visit.
Be as accurate as possible by using the best Atlas you compared as your
guideline.
Center 1 – Atlas Comparison (upper level)
Name: _______________________________________
Date: ________________________________________
What type of information is contained in an atlas? Use two different atlases to find the answers
to the following questions.
Write the name of each Atlas under Atlas #1 and Atlas #2
Atlas #1
Atlas #2
______________________ ______________________
1. Are there an index and table of contents?
Yes/No
Yes/No
2. Are the index and table of contents easy to use?
Yes/No
Yes/No
3. Are the maps clearly labeled and colorful?
Yes/No
Yes/No
4. Can you read the longitude and latitude lines easily?
Yes/No
Yes/No
5. Are there graphs and charts?
Yes/No
Yes/No
6. Is it easy to understand the graphs and charts?
Yes/No
Yes/No
7. Is there informational text?
Yes/No
Yes/No
8. Does the atlas provide information about population?
Yes/No
Yes/No
9. Does the atlas provide information about climate?
Yes/No
Yes/No
10. Does the atlas provide information about natural resources?
Yes/No
Yes/No
11. Does the atlas include information about
interesting landmarks?
Yes/No
Yes/No
12. Can you learn about the world’s time zones in the atlas?
Yes/No
Yes/No
13. Are there photographs of actual places included
in the atlas?
Yes/No
Yes/No
14. Are there facts and interesting tidbits of information
included in the atlas?
Yes/No
Yes/No
Which atlas do prefer? Why__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Center 2 - Atlas Scavenger Hunt
1. Fill out the scavenger hunt
2. If you complete it, create your own scavenger hunt for your
friends at the table or the next group.
Center 2 – Atlas
Atlas Scavenger Hunt
1. What is the capital of Japan? __________________________
2. What is the capital of Australia? __________________________
3. What is the capital of Fiji? __________________________
4. Which countries surround the Black Sea? ____________________
5. What sea is to the East of the United States? _________________
6. What is the capital of Cuba? ______________________
7. In which country is Rio de Janeiro? __________________
8. In which country is Karbala? _____________________
9. Which country does the Nile flow through? (or countries?)
______________________
10. In what country does the Sahara lie? ______________________
11. Find the index. On what page(s) would you find
a. a map of Argentina? _________
b. the Seine River? ________
c. information about the Himalayan Mountains? _______
12. What are the natural resources of Brazil? _____________________
_______________________________________________________
13. Find a map of Africa. Name two rivers located somewhere on the continent.
Center 2 – Atlas Scavenger Hunt
__________________________________________________________
14. Locate a map of the United States. List all of the states that border Utah.
___________________________________________________________
15. Find the glossary. Write one word and its definition from the glossary.
___________________________________________________________
16. Find a US map in the atlas that shows lines of latitude and longitude. What is
the approximate latitude and longitude of New York City? ________________
____________________________________________________________
17. What ocean surrounds Antarctica? _______________________________
18. What country of Europe is shaped like a boot, and what large sea does it
border? ______________________________________________________
19. Looking on the world map, which ocean is east of North America and west of
Europe? ______________________________________________________
20. Find a photograph that shows something specific about a place. What place is
being shown? On what page is the picture? ____________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Explain how using and understanding an atlas will be helpful to you in the future
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Center 3 – Where in the world
1. Log onto the computer.
2. Go to the internet
3. Type in http://animal.discovery.com/guides/dogs/selector/selector.jsp
4. Use your atlas to find what country and continent the dogs are located in on the
Where in the World worksheet.
5. After you finish, research more about the dog you liked the best. Illustrate
the dog in its original country using information you found out.
Center 3 – Where in the World
Can you find a dog from each of these continents?
Australia
North America
Africa
Europe
Asia
***Use the Dog Directory at the Animal Planet Web site at:
http://animal.discovery.com/guides/dogs/selector/selector.jsp
***Locate the countries by using your atlas.
Dog Breed
Akita
Australian Cattle Dog
Basenji
Bassett Hound
Boston Terrier
Bulldog
Chihuahua
Chow Chow
Collie
Dalmatian
Havanese
Lhasa Apso
Maltese
Newfoundland
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Country
Continent
Center 4 – Postcard Greetings
Materials Needed: Markers, construction paper or index cards,
1. Choose a location in the world that interests you (can be a continent, country or city)
2. Use the table of contents of your atlas to locate as much information about your chosen
location as possible.
3. Pretend you are sending someone a postcard from your location. You will need to include
information about where the place is located, climate, interesting features, history, relevant facts
you can gather.
4. Make a rough draft of your information. Correct any grammar or spelling. Complete a final
draft and illustrate the opposite side of the postcard with points of interest or landmarks from
your location.
Center 4 – Postcard Greetings
Think about a place in the world you would like to visit one day. This place can be as general
as a continent or as specific as a city.
Location: __________________________________________________________________
Now that you have selected a place, it is time to learn more about it. Use the table of contents
and index of your atlas to find information about your location. You can gather information
from pictures, maps, charts, graphs, or the text of the book. Use the space below to record the
information you find.
Page Number
Information Gathered
___________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
____________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
____________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
Center 4 – Postcard Greetings
Now it is time to compile your information into a short note to a friend or relative. Write your
postcard as if you are visiting the place and actually experiencing what you are sharing.
Remember to include: the name of the person to whom you are writing, the name of your
location, specific points of interest or landmarks at your location, a fact or two that describe the
physical features of your location and a closing that includes your name.
Create a
stamp from
your
location
Compose your note here on
this side of your postcard.
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
Make sure to have a name, address, city, state,
zip code included on the above lines
Center 5 – Create a Map
Materials Needed: Markers, crayons, map pencils, ruler, construction paper
1. Create a map of the library or your classrooms
2. Be sure to include a legend and a key
3. All features must be on your map, be detailed!
Center 6 – Geography games
1. Go to the computer
2. Click on the library webpage
3. Click on the library games link
4. Play games on the geography atlas page