1. Topic-
How to Use Maps
 
2. Content-
maps, compasses, US cities and landmarks
 
3. Goals: Aims/Outcomes-
1. Teach students how to read a map
2. Knowing the directions and how to determine location
3.Becoming familiar with US geography and cities
 
4. Objectives-
1. Give a sense of location in relation to local geography
2. Have them understand distances on maps in relation to themselves
3. Be able to recognize specific geographic features
 
5. Materials and Aids-
Map of United States
 
6. Procedures/Methods-

A. Introduction-

1. Draw United States. Ask students what it is you drew.
2. Ask if they have ever used a map or globe before
3. Ask about a compass and the cardinal directions
 

B. Development-

1. Show a compass next to map
2. Explain legend (cities, capitals, rivers)
3. Show regions of United States
 

C. Practice-

1. Have them label their city
2. Ask about directions in relation to New Orleans
3. Quiz them on rivers
 

D. Independent Practice-

1. Ask them to point out different places on the map
2. Label oceans and other countries
 

E. Accommodations (Differentiated Instruction)-

Be sure they understand directions in both perspectives; on paper and in physical relation to themselves
 

F. Checking for understanding-

1. Give them two locations and ask which direction one is in relation to the other.
2. Ask what region specific cities, states, and landmarks are located.
3. Point them north, ask where the other directions are in relation
 

G. Closure-

Ask where they would go if they could choose anywhere. Have them point it out on a map and explain how they would get there.
 
Teacher Reflection-
Lesson plan went very well as student was very familiar with physical location in relation to the map. I thought she had a firm grasp on both perspectives as she could show point out directions both on the map and with her hand. She knew cities and states very well and could point out the Mississippi river. Outside the United States, she was a little shaky and could not identify what bordered the US in each direction. I think a globe would be more helpful is I was to try this lesson again.
 

This Lesson Plan is available at (www.teacherjet.com)