Embedded Files
Unit 2: The Representation of the Earth
Session 0.- Vocabulary Introduction (take a look at BRITISH 5th start page) - direct link
Session 1:
Objective: Students will be able to identify different types of maps and their purposes.
Assessment: Have students create a concept map showing the different types of maps and their purposes.
Some of the most commonly used maps are the physical, political, weather, economic, resource, population, and world maps. The two main types of maps are the reference maps, which show geologic features and most important political boundaries. The thematic map shows more specific data that can change more easily. (more info)
Key Points: Introduction to the unit, discussion on the importance of maps, types of maps (political, physical, thematic, etc.)
Session 2:
Objective: Students will understand the concept of scale and how it is used in maps.
Assessment: Give students a map and ask them to identify the scale used and explain its meaning.
Map scale refers to the relationship (or ratio) between distance on a map and the corresponding distance on the ground. For example, on a 1:100000 scale map, 1cm on the map equals 100000 cms on the ground (that is 1 km because 1km = 100000cms, remember units conversion worked last year).
Key Points: Definition of scale, examples of different scales on maps, understanding map distances and proportions. (more info)
Session 3:
Objective: Students will learn about latitude and longitude and how they are used to locate places on a map.
Assessment: Provide students with a map and ask them to locate specific coordinates.
Latitude and longitude are broken into degrees, minutes, seconds and directions, starting with latitude. For instance, an area with coordinates marked 41° 56' 54.3732” N, 87° 39' 19.2024” W would be read as 41 degrees, 56 minutes, 54.3732 seconds north; 87 degrees, 39 minutes, 19.2024 seconds west. (more info)
Key Points: Explanation of latitude and longitude, understanding the grid system, finding locations using coordinates.
Session 4:
Objective: Students will explore different map projections and understand how they distort the Earth's shape.
Assessment: Have students compare and contrast different map projections and their distortions.
The ways in which we visualize the world are varied- we have globes, maps and digital representation.
Key Points: Definition of map projection, examples of different types of map projections (Mercator, Robinson, etc.), discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of each projection.
Session 5:
Objective: Students will learn about map symbols and how they are used to represent features on a map.
Assessment: Provide students with a map and ask them to identify and explain the meaning of different map symbols (more info).
Key Points: Explanation of map symbols, examples of common map symbols (roads, buildings, rivers, etc.), understanding the importance of map legends.
Session 6:
Objective: Students will explore different types of map distortions and understand their impact on map accuracy.
Assessment: Give students a set of distorted maps and ask them to identify the distortions and explain their impact.
Key Points: Discussion on map distortions (shape, area, distance, direction), examples of distorted maps, understanding the challenges of representing a spherical Earth on a flat surface.
Session 7:
Objective: Students will analyze and interpret different types of thematic maps.
Assessment: Provide students with a thematic map and ask them to analyze the data presented and draw conclusions.
Key Points: Definition of thematic maps, examples of different types of thematic maps (population density, climate, etc.), understanding how to interpret data on thematic maps.
Session 8:
Objective: Students will create their own map using the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the unit.
Assessment: Have students present their maps to the class and explain the key features and symbols used.
Key Points: Review of key concepts covered in the unit, hands-on map creation activity, reflection on the importance of maps in understanding the representation of the Earth.
Final Project Activities Suggestions:
1. Map Gallery: Have students create a gallery of their maps and invite other classes or parents to visit and learn about the different representations of the Earth.
2. Field Trip: Take students on a field trip to a local map museum or geospatial center to further explore the representation of the Earth and its importance.
3. Virtual Mapping Project: Assign students a virtual mapping project where they have to create a map using digital tools and present their findings online.
Standards Addressed:
1. Common Core State Standard: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.7 - Draw on information from multiple print or digital sources, demonstrating the ability to locate an answer to a question quickly or to solve a problem efficiently.
2. National Geography Standards: Standard 1 - How to use maps and other geographic representations, tools, and technologies to acquire, process, and report information from a spatial perspective.
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