Browse lesson plans

Building map-reading skills

In Map skills and higher-order thinking, page 5

Now that we know what students can't do, how do we help them develop the skills to read and interpret maps successfully? You may not be surprised to learn that most of the research and literature on this topic stops short of offering actual suggestions....

Format: activity/lesson plan (grade )

By David Walbert.

Topographic maps

In Map skills and higher-order thinking, page 11

Topographic maps add a third dimension to latitude and longitude by showing natural (and cultural) features of the earth's surface -- in particular, elevation. Historically, mapmakers used a variety of methods to indicate elevation. To get a quick...

Format: activity/lesson plan

By David Walbert.

Resources on the web

Handy map

This lesson, one of a six-part unit from Illuminations titled “Going Places: Measuring and Mapping,” engages students in creating a map of their hands. It provides purpose for using directional or positional words with mapping. The teacher draws... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K Mathematics and Social Studies)

Provided by: Illuminations