Mapping It Out

Social Studies Online Introduction

Blueprint Skill Geography Grade 2

© Recognize that a map contains elements such as title, scale, symbols, legends, grids, and cardinal and intermediate directions.

What’s on a map?

© Maps have a lot of information, but you need to know how to read them. There are several parts to a map which explain details and help you really see where you are and where you're going.

Legend

© Maps often have symbols to represent such features as highways, small roads, campgrounds, and rest areas. These symbols are listed in the legend.

Compass

© The compass shows the directions on a map: north, south, east, and west.

Index

© The index tells you where to find a specific place on a map. Depending on the size and type of map you're using, the index can help you locate a city, town, or street.

Scale

© The scale helps you measure the distance betweeen two places. When you know the distance you can calculate how long the trip will take.

Resources

© What’s on a map? © Map Adventures (handout)