Lesson Plan: Geography ages 6-8

Information

Classroom Activity

Learning objectives

  • To be able to understand the abstract concept of a map.
  • To be able to design and create a map.
  • To be able to use a grid system.

Success criteria

  • Can show understanding of the concept of map, by producing one that represents a real place fairly accurately.
  • Can write a grid reference correctly.
  • Can follow a grid reference to locate positions on a map.

Thinking skills

  • Understanding: translate, identify, locate, recognise, report
  • Remembering: duplicate, recall, repeat, reproduce
  • Creating: design, formulate, create

Resources

  • Flip chart paper
  • Coloured markers
  • Blank A4 paper
  • Pencils
  • Coloured pencils
  • Paper with grid system.

Starter activity

Brainstorm all that the students know about maps, what they think they may know, and any questions they have to do with maps.  Record all responses on a mind map using colours to group related items.

Main activities

Guide and monitor the students through the activity sheet. Activity 1 introduces the idea of what a map is; taking the students from the concrete to the abstract.

Plenary

  1. On a blank map with a grid system, create a map of an imaginary desert island.  Draw some things of interest on your island e.g. mountain, cave, lake, forest, beach, bay, hut, fire, treasure, etc.
  2. Write 4 grid references to things on your map.  Ask your partner to find what is at each location on your map.  Is s/he correct?