Lindsay Trappen

Subject:
Build a Mental Map!
4th grade
Geography
Iowa Core Standards
SS.3-5.G.1

Understand the use of mental maps to organize information about people, places, and
environments in a spatial context.
Understand the concepts of title, legend, cardinal directions, distance, grids.

Materials Needed:
ELMO
Compare and Contrast: Maps Worksheet
Computer Paper
Markers/colored pencils/crayons
Example maps
Prerequisite Skills:
Some previous basic knowledge of maps, including:
o Importance of titles
o Importance of compasses
o Importance of scale
o Importance of legends
Ability to compare and contrast
Knowledge of the word landmark
Ability to work and discuss in partners
A B C D Lesson Objective:
After comparing and contrasting examples of professional maps and handmade
maps, 4th grade students will create their own maps from school to their homes,
making sure to include a title, compass, scale, legend, and landmarks with at least
75% inclusion.
NCSS Standards:
Strand III
This lesson coincides with Strand III because the student s are studying and creating
their own maps. By doing this, they are gaining spatial understanding. The students
are furthering their understanding and perfecting their map skills, as well as gaining
understanding of why things are located where they are. They will be analyzing
maps of locations that are far from their own environment, so they will be gaining
knowledge of places beyond their personal location as well.

Describe Objectives to Class:

Today we will be using the knowledge that we have already gained about
quality maps. We will be looking at two different kinds of maps, and looking for the
traits that we have already decided make up a good map. Can anybody tell me what
those traits were? *Title, Compass, Scale, Legend* Great! Like I said, we will be
looking at two different kinds of maps. One is a map you are used to: the
professional maps we see around our room; but we will also be looking at maps that
have been hand drawn by people like you. Can you give me some reasons as to why
you would want to draw your own map? *Look for answer like: to give directions*
Yes, exactly! People hand-draw their own maps all the time to give directions or
help others get a mental map of a place they are describing. You will be doing the
same, but now that you know what traits make up a good map, youll be drawing
better maps than most of the people around you! Your maps will include the title,
compass, scale, legend, and even some landmarks.
Procedure:
1. First, introduce the objectives as stated above.
2. Hand out Map Venn Diagram Worksheet and place the example maps on the
ELMO. Tell the students that they will be comparing and contrasting the
maps on the ELMO. Remind them to think of the traits that make up a quality
map. Explain that they will be using the worksheet to keep track of the
similarities and differences that they find between the two maps.
3. Have the students compare and contrast the two maps in partners while
using the Venn diagram Worksheet.
4. While the students are discussing and working, walk around and ask guiding
questions to encourage them to think deeply about the similarities and
differences between the maps.
5. As the students are starting to near the end of their Venn diagram, announce
to the class that they should begin thinking about which map is better. Have
them discuss this with their partners and write their explanation on the
worksheet.
6. Once the class has completed their Venn diagram and short answer, discuss
the similarities and differences between the maps. Ask the students: What
makes these maps good? and What makes these maps bad? Have the
students consider these questions as the next activity is introduced to the
class.
Assessment:
Now, you all get to create your own maps! On a piece of computer paper that I will
be handing out, you will make a map from school to your home. I want you to
include all of the traits that we have talked about being on good maps, but there will
be something unique to each of your maps. Can any of you guess what it will be?
*look for answer like: landmarks* Yes, each of your maps will be different, because
you all see different things on your way to and from school. So, when your map is
completed, it should contain a title, compass, scale, and legend. It will also contain at
least 4 landmarks that are unique to your ride to school and be colored.

Modifications/Differentiation:
For students who have developed a deep understanding of maps quickly, I
would encourage them to challenge their mental map. I would do this by
having them create a more detailed map, or a map on a larger scale to truly
test their understanding. An example of this could be having the student
draw a map from the school to a relatives house, like their grandparents or
aunt and uncle.
For students who need support, I would make sure to list the requirements
on the board. If they need assistance beyond this, I would have the students
create a map on a smaller scale, like a map from our classroom to the
lunchroom or bathroom. In this case, they would be able to physically see the
area that they are making a map of.
References:
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/refmaps.html
http://www.happinessisblog.com/happiness-is/2010/11/illustrated-citymaps.html

Mental/Hand Drawn Map

Professional Map

***All maps would be much larger when actually given to students

Compare and Contrast: MAPS

Directions: With a partner, observe the hand drawn map and professional map on
the ELMO. Write down what traits are unique to each map, and what traits they
share on the Venn diagram below. Once that is completed, decide which map you
think is the best, and explain below.

Hand Drawn Map

Professional Map

Which map do you think is the best? Why?

Student Name: _________________________

Mental Map Checklist:
Requirement
Title
Compass
Scale
Legend
Landmark 1
Landmark 2
Landmark 3
Landmark 4

Included

Excluded

**Students will be aware that any requirements used incorrectly

will result in it being marked excluded