Physical and Political Maps Usage

Grade levels:

CONTENT STATEMENT

  1. Physical and political maps have distinctive characteristics and purposes. Places can be located on a map by using the title, key, alphanumeric grid, and cardinal directions.

CONTENT ELABORATION

Political maps show boundaries, towns, and other human features while physical maps show physical features like elevation or landforms.

When students say that the park is on the north side of main street, they demonstrate an understanding of relative location.

If they locate the museum at G11 on an alphanumeric grid, they are beginning to understand absolute location. The use of an alphanumeric grid at this level lays the foundation for understanding absolute location, and latitude and longitude in later grades.

Students can find the cardinal directions (NSEW) on a map.

Students can use maps of the local community to find landmarks and other familiar places.

EXPECTATIONS FOR LEARNING

Describe characteristics of physical and political maps and identify the purpose for each.
Use the map title, key, alphanumeric grid, and cardinal directions to locate places in the local community.

Companies addressing the standard: