Module 2: Maps and Directions- Social Studies 1A - Course Guide

Module Overview:

In this module, students will use a compass to find the cardinal directions and draw a directional map using cardinal directions. Students will create a community map and describe the different types of maps. They will describe the function of a GPS and compare using a GPS to using a map.

Module Materials:

Lesson # Lesson Title Material(s)
1 Cardinal Directions map of your own city with key or legend with symbols
compass (or compass phone app)
2 Maps and Their Uses map of your own city with key or legend with symbols;
3 For Further Study: The GPS None

Module Objectives:

Lesson # Lesson Title Objective(s)
1 Cardinal Directions
  1. Use a compass to find the cardinal directions.
  2. Draw a directional map using cardinal directions.
2 Maps and Their Uses
  1. Create a community map.
  2. Describe the different types of maps.
  3. Describe directions using cardinal directions (north, south, east, and west).
3 For Further Study: The GPS
  1. Describe the function of a GPS.
  2. Compare using a GPS to using a map.

Module Key Words:

Key Words
map key
map legend
compass
cardinal directions
geographic tools
compass rose
map types
GPS
signals
electronics
satellites

Module Assignments:

Lesson # Lesson Title Page # Assignment Title
1 Cardinal Directions 5 Cardinal Directions Assignment
2 Maps and Their Uses 6 Map Elements Assignment

Learning Coach Notes:

Lesson # Lesson Title Notes
1 Cardinal Directions Find different types of maps to share with your student, either online, at the library, or if you have your own paper maps. Take time to look at them with your student. Have them identify the cardinal directions and map key for each map. Ask them to find different things on the maps they look at.
2 Maps and Their Uses Show your student a couple of maps either by going online, to the library, or using your own maps. Have them identify the elements of each map (compass rose, map key, title, and grid). Ask them to locate things on each map that you show them.
3 For Further Study: The GPS Ask your student to explain the advantages of using a GPS.

Module Guiding Questions:

When a student starts a lesson ask them questions to check for prior knowledge and understanding and to review concepts being taught. At the end of the lesson ask the questions again to see if their answer changes.

Lesson Title Question
Cardinal Directions
  1. What are cardinal directions?
Maps and Their Uses
  1. What is a map?
For Further Study: The GPS
  1. What is a GPS?

Module Video Questions:

When a student watches a video take time to ask them questions about what they watched. Suggested questions for the videos in this module are listed here. Suggestion: Have the student watch the entire video first all the way through. Then have them watch the video a second time, as they watch it pause the video and ask the questions.

Lesson Title Video Question
Cardinal Directions Cardinal Directions
  1. What is a globe?
  2. What does a map show?
  3. What does a map key show?
  4. What are the different types of maps Skylar used?
Maps and Their Uses Maps and Their Uses
  1. What is the purpose of a compass rose?
  2. What does a floor plan show you?
  3. What does a neighborhood map show you?
  4. What does a map key show you?
For Further Study: The GPS Let's Talk Directions!
  1. What is a map?
  2. What is a GPS?

Module Suggested Read Aloud Books:

Take time to read to your student or have them read aloud to you. Read a different book each day. While reading the book point out concepts being taught. You may purchase these books or find them at your local library. Suggested things to discuss while reading the book:

  • What is the main idea?
  • What are three things new you learned?
  • How does this book relate to what you are learning about?

# Book Author Lexile Level
1 The Compass Rose and Cardinal Directions Caitlin McAneney
2 North, South, East, and West Meg Greve 600L
3 North, South, East, West Margaret Wise Brown
4 What Is a Map? Jennifer M. Besel 500L

Module Outing:

Take some time to apply what your student is learning to the real world. Suggested outings are below.

# Outing
1 Take your student on a walk using a compass. Have them read the compass and state the direction you are walking every time you change direction. Go on an outing where your student needs to use a map to navigate such as the zoo, a museum, or a park. Have them use the map and discuss the features on the map.