Map Key
What is a map key?
Goal:
Goal:
Can you find the map key on this map? Which symbol is used to show a path on the map? Yes, it is a dotted line. Watch the video below to learn more about how map keys can help you read maps.
MAPS HAVE LITTLE PICTURES ON THEM THAT ARE CALLED SYMBOLS.
A SYMBOL IS SOMETHING THAT STANDS FOR SOMETHING ELSE.
ON THIS MAP, THIS TYPE OF LINE MEANS ROAD.
THIS SYMBOL MEANS LARGE CITY.
THIS SYMBOL STANDS FOR RAILROAD TRACKS.
A BLUE LINE MEANS RIVER.
HOW DO WE KNOW WHAT EACH SYMBOL STANDS FOR?
EVERY MAP HAS A KEY.
A KEY IS A LITTLE BOX ON THE MAP
THAT TELLS US EXACTLY WHAT EACH SYMBOL STANDS FOR
AND WHAT THE SCALE OF THE MAP IS.
PRETEND YOU'RE PLAYING
IN A BIG PARK YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN TO BEFORE.
YOU WANT A DRINK OF WATER,
BUT YOU DON'T SEE A DRINKING FOUNTAIN ANYWHERE.
BUT THERE IS A SIGN WITH A MAP ON IT.
YOU LOOK AT THE KEY
AND FIND THE SYMBOL FOR DRINKING FOUNTAIN.
IT LOOKS LIKE A RED TRIANGLE.
YOU FIND THE RED TRIANGLE ON THE MAP.
IT LOOKS LIKE
IT'S ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PICNIC TABLES.
NOW I KNOW WHERE A DRINKING FOUNTAIN IS.
narrator: YOU CAN SEE THE PICNIC TABLES FROM WHERE YOU ARE. NOW YOU CAN GO AND GET A DRINK.
Map keys are very helpful. You will be creating a map key for your state map. Go to your state in this lesson to learn about its specific vegetation and wildlife. If your state information is not in this lesson, have an adult help you research the vegetation regions and wildlife in your state.