Topic: Where we are in the world, country, state, county and town...

Concept: Scale representation of different maps
                Map scales

Skill:  Draw a map of the school grounds to scale.

Objective:  Students will be able to reduce real measurements to a representative scale on paper.
                  Prepare a map for future map and compass activities.

Lesson Activity: (materials needed for each group (4-5 students): 100' tapes, 25' tapes, rulers, protractors, calculators, state maps, county maps, topographical maps of the area.)

    Class discussion of various types of maps.  A world map and a United States map will be on the wall.  Each group of 4-5 will have other maps to look at.  Present the idea of scale in terms of the different maps by eliciting input from students.  Discussion about the development of maps.  In small groups, the students will determine an appropriate scale for representing the school grounds on a piece of paper.  Using the various tape measures and drawing tools, they will draw the school grounds including buildings, fields, parking lots, and boundaries.  This activity will probably require several class periods.  Once the groups are done with their maps, there will be a chance to share them with the rest of the class.  (Another way to accomplish this same objective is to decide as a class the appropriate scale representation and then divide the school grounds into sections so that each group draws one section and then the maps can be put together.)

    This map can later be used for a Score-O(rienteering) Event.

Diagnostic Assessment:  Through discussion, find out depth of understanding the students have about the concept of scale as it relates to maps.

Formative Assessment:  Circulate amongst groups to assess decision making process in terms of the representative scale the group plans to use.

Summative Assessment:  Students will present their map and explain how they chose an appropriate scale.

Grading:  A plus, check, or minus will be entered in the grade book depending on the participation in the mapping project.  (This could be approached as a cooperative learning activity where all of the group members grade the input of each member of the group.)

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