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-worldfactbook/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