Private i

How Do Maps Help Us Understand the World?

Maps are our guides to the world! Students will explore how maps can tell us where we are and help us get where we want to go. In this inquiry-based unit, students will learn the basic vocabulary of maps and about the concept of map projections and distortion. Using primary source projections of Peters' and Mercator's maps students will read maps for clues as to the cartographer's point of view or purpose.

K-5

Multiple sessions

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“As a second and third grade teacher for the entirety of my career I had long taught students history through inquiry. Seeing students explore history in this way has been SUCH a joy! Lightbulb moments galore! A teacher’s dream!...unlike lessons I had taught in the past, I didn’t have to find the primary sources. I didn’t have to research them. I didn’t have to write the lesson plan from scratch. I didn’t have to do anything but read the lesson plan… and teach the lesson!”

Second Grade Teacher

“I just used the first lesson in the Mapping Unit. It was so great to get students talking about what they noticed and also expand their thinking on how maps have a special purpose to the user.”

Fourth Grade Teacher

"I love that students got to look at REAL court cases! And it was so easy to use!"

Fifth Grade Teacher

"I liked the simplicity of the handouts. Not too much there to be overwhelming--just enough. Simple, clear directions. The photographs of the clues were great for the students to have."

Fourth Grade Teacher

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Whether you enjoy finding opportunities within a well-structured sequence of resources or prefer looking around for pieces and bits that can be jigsawed together, our Scope & Sequence documents are a perfect reference point for planning. Scope & Sequence documents are available for elementary, middle, and high school classrooms and list all of our resources in one place.

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How Do Maps Help Us Understand the World?

Explore resources in this unit

How Do Maps Shape How We Think About the World?

What Parts of the Map Help Us Understand What the Cartographer Wants Us To Know?

How Do Maps Show Us What Is Important to the Cartographer?

Why Is There an Elephant on the Beach?

“I just used the first lesson in the Mapping Unit. It was so great to get students talking about what they noticed and also expand their thinking on how maps have a special purpose to the user.”

"I love that students got to look at REAL court cases! And it was so easy to use!"

"I liked the simplicity of the handouts. Not too much there to be overwhelming--just enough. Simple, clear directions. The photographs of the clues were great for the students to have."

Explore more Grade 4 Private i Units

Why Would People Live in the Northeast?

How Does Water Shape Our Lives?

Why Do We Have So Many Governments?

Use the Scope & Sequence to help you plan your iCivics classroom experience!