3.6 OVERVIEW
The student will interpret geographic information from maps, tables, graphs, and charts.
SUGGESTED INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES
- Have students locate two places on the map. Tell each team to write directions to get from one place to the other. They will use the cardinal directions and the squares from the coordinate grid superimposed on the map. Move through the room and assist as necessary. When most children have finished, ask one team to read their directions aloud. All the other teams can check the directions on their maps. Ask if a team has another way to get from point to point on the map. Share these directions, test them out, and discuss which path is the quickest and makes the most sense. Finally, have teams write directions from one location to a secret location on the map. Then teams can switch directions with each other and try to find the secret place.
- Use a variety of maps so that students know that maps, tables, graphs, charts, and pictures are visual aids used to gather and classify geographic information.
- Use a variety of maps, tables, graphs, charts, and pictures to classify information throughout the units of study.
WEB SITES
http://interactive2.usgs.gov/learningweb/teachers/mapadv.htm
A comprehensive review of K-3 geography skills is available from the National Mapping Division, U.S. Geological Survey.
http://nationalgeographic.com
The National Geographic Web site provides information and copies of maps.
http://www.cnr.vt.edu/geography/vga/index.html
This is the Web site for the Virginia Geographic Alliance.
http://bensguide.gpo.gov/k-2/nation/index.html
Ben’s Guide provides information on locating North America on a globe.
http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=329
Here are lessons for map making.
http://www.factmonster.com/atlas/index.html
http://plasma.nationalgeographic.com/mapmachine
http://www.eduplace.com/ss/maps/pdf/n_america.pdf
All of these Web sites contain maps for viewing.
LITERATURE LINKS
Map Skills: Use maps, tables, graphs charts, and pictures to interpret geographic information
Stace, Alexa.
The Atlas of the Earth. Friedman Fairfax Publishing, 2002.
This is an illustrated atlas that profiles the physical earth from the outside in, using photos, maps and illustrations.
Tesar, Jenny E.
The New View Almanac. Blackbirch Marketing, 1999.
This almanac contains maps, charts, graphs, and other visuals that provide information about our world.
