20 November - 26 November

EXPLORE / TŪHURA learning intentions:

• We are EXPLORING the spatial distribution of different types of geographical phenomena by constructing maps at different scales.
• We are INVESTIGATING maps to identify direction, scale and distance, area and grid references, latitude and longitude, altitude, area, contour lines, gradient, local relief

Mapping Skills

All about Maps

Learning Objective: To understand the different types of maps and their uses.

Success Criteria: 

• To consider the importance of maps.

• To compare different types of maps.

• To identify who uses maps.

 This lesson explores the different types of maps and their uses.

Why Do We Have Maps?

Discuss in pairs why they think people started making maps and why they are so important. Maps were important because they gave people a sense of their place in the world.

Main Activities

What Is a Map?

Unscramble and define the keywords: map, cartography and cartographer? Note down the keywords and their definitions.

What Should All Maps Have?

What should all maps should have certain characteristics if they are to be useful. 

F - Frame

A - Arrow

C - Colour

K - Key

T - Title

S - Scale

These include a title so the purpose of the map is clear, a key (or legend) to explain what any symbols mean, a scale to show the ratio between the map and the real area and a compass rose needed to determine the orientation of the map.

Types of Map

Ask the students to think of as many types of map as they can. Do a brainstorm in your books.

Think Pair Share

There are many different types of maps. Check out the Google Slides in Google Classroom to find the main types of map (political, physical, thematic, topographical, road map, topological and navigation) and explain what their characteristic are. Complete the Types of Map Activity Sheet during the presentation.

Plenary

Identify which type of map is shown by each number on the PowerPoint slide.