Colline Rivest
FNSS Curriculum Integration Project
Grade: 2/3
Lesson 1: Map Symbols & Simple Keys
Time: 45 – 60 minutes
Topic:
Recognizing symbols and features on maps.
Rationale:
This is the first of a series of lessons on mapping skills that reflect the learning outcomes listed in the
environment strand of the grade 2/3 Social Studies Integrated Resource Package. This lesson may be
broken down into two shorter lessons. For lesson three in this series, it is important that the students
understand what a community is with specific reference to First Nations communities (bands).
Materials and Resources:
Classroom
8 map symbols (printed and pasted to stiff paper)
poster paper
colouring supplies
Classroom Map Thinksheet (1 per student)
Map of Canada
Main concepts:
Interpret basic map symbols
Create symbols and a legend/key for a simple map
Identify features of a map (legend/key, size and a “bird’s eye” view of objects)
Intended Learning Outcomes:
Create and interpret simple maps using cardinal directions, symbols, and simple keys
Vocabulary in Material:
Map – all illustration representing the whole or part of a geographical area
Legend/key – a small box found on a map that shows all the symbols used on the map and what each symbol
represents; interchangeably called a legend when referring to a map
Symbol – a simple picture that represents something more complex
Features – a specially prominent characteristic
Perspective, “bird’s eye view” – seen from above as if by a flying bird
Planned Learning Activities:
Introduce Mapping: symbols, key features (roads etc.), map attributes (legend, perspective)
A Look at the Classroom:
Discuss: What is in here? What are the key features in this room? (3 min)
Have students analyze their classroom and record names (write label, not draw) of 6 key features on
worksheet (Classroom Map Thinksheet) (10 min)
Show students 8 common map symbols (printed) and discuss attributes (eg.simple, basic, not detailed,
represents a feature on a map); students try to name each symbol (4 min); show map of Canada; have
students try to find the 8 common symbols on the map
Introduce “key or legend” as a map attribute; location on a map, what does the legend tell us; have
students find the legend on the map of Canada (5 min)
Have students generate their own simple symbols that could represent the key features of the room (eg.
sink, door, window, center, etc.) and draw them on Classroom Map Thinksheet (10 min)
Have students make a poster/map of their classroom using the symbols they generated; discuss important
criteria before students begin their drawings (20 minutes or begin today and finish as a second lesson
and review)
Assessment/Evaluation:
Observation – using new vocabulary; methods used in creating own map
Collect Classroom Map Thinksheet
Collect student created maps for evaluation:
oSymbols used are relevant
oLegend/key is included and reflects symbols actually used on map (optional)
oEsthetics – neatness, colour, perspective, size of objects
Extensions:
Perspective: teach “bird’s eye view” vs. side view etc.
Example: Students look down and draw the top of their shoe as they see it – then place the shoe on top of
their desk and draw it look at it from the side.
Other Integration Opportunities:
Math – have students figure out distances using scale.
Resources Used and Supplementary Materials Available:
References:
Aboriginal Education Initiative (1998). Shared Learnings. British Columbia Minister of of Education
Pocket Books (1974). The Meriam Webster Dictionary. New York
Greenwood, Margo (1997). The Story of Our Ways: An Okanagan Social Studies Unit. Okanagan Indian
Band and School District #22 (Vernon)
Okanagan National Alliance (1998). Okanagan Nation Territory Map. Urban Systems
Contact Numbers:
BC Ministry of Education, Aboriginal Education Initiative, Victoria, BC: (250) 356-0872
Okanagan Indian Band Office,Vernon, BC: (250) 542-4328
Okanagan National Alliance, Westbank, BC: (250) 707-
0095
Map Symbols
Railroad
Road
Airport
Classroom Map Thinksheet Assessment
C
lassroom
M
apP
oster
Nam
e:___________________
4m
arks
3m
arks
2m
arks
1m
ark
m
orethan10
featuresdrawnon
m
ap
7-10features
drawnonm
ap
6featuresdrawnon lessthan6features
m
ap
drawnonm
ap
legendcom
plete
legenddrawings
com
plete;m
ost
labeled
legendlabels
com
pletebutnotall
drawingscom
plete
Veryneat,
coloured,original
neat, colour,easy
toread
generallyneat,
hardtoread,
legible,som
e colour m
essy,scribbles
legendpartially
attem
pted