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PlayOwl

Geography · Grade 2

Read Map Symbols and Directions

Maps use three kinds of symbols (points, lines and areas) and a compass rose with eight directions. Learners read keys with colors and shapes, add the in-between directions NE, NW, SE and SW, give and follow directions on a park map, and use directions to describe where real states are from Illinois.

  • 4 lessons
  • About 55 minutes
  • Symbols and directions check: 8 questions
  • Ways to answer: fill in the blanks, choose an answer, plot points, label a picture, pin a map and match pairs
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What learners will discover

  • Tell point, line and area symbols apart and read a map key that uses colors and shapes.
  • Use a compass rose with the cardinal directions and the intermediate directions NE, NW, SE and SW.
  • Give and follow directions on a map using all eight directions.
  • Use directions to tell where real states are compared with Illinois.

Lessons

  1. Points, lines and areas 4 steps2 practiceabout 13 min
  2. Eight directions 4 steps2 practiceabout 14 min
  3. Give and follow directions 5 steps2 practiceabout 14 min
  4. Directions on a real map 4 steps2 practiceabout 14 min
  5. Symbols and directions check 8 questions at the end

Keep exploring

Games to practice with

  • Globe ExplorerSpin a real 3D globe, flip to the flat map, and find continents, oceans and countries.
  • Pin the PlanetDrag the pin onto wonders, cities and exact latitude and longitude points.
  • Mapmaker QuestFollow directions to make a map, then read its legend, compass rose and scale.

More 2nd grade geography

Guide for grown-ups