Bell Ringer # 3

What is the purpose of maps?

MAPS

Maps• A map is a picture or representation of

the Earth's surface, showing how things are related to each other by distance, direction, and size

• Different kinds of maps show different things, such as physical features, cities, or boundaries.

• A book of maps is called an atlas.

• Political maps show place names and borders, such as the lines that separate one country or state from another.

Types of Maps

Political Map

• Physical maps show physical features, such as mountains, deserts, and rivers. They often show elevation, which is how high a certain area is.

Physical Map

• Climate maps show weather patterns in a given area.

• Population maps show how many people live in different parts of an area.

• Road maps show major streets and highways. People use these maps to plan trips and for driving directions.

Parts of Maps

Map Title• The map title

tells you what the map is about and can usually be found at the top or bottom of the map

Map Key or Legend

• A map key or legend makes the map easy to read and understand. It will list and explain the symbols and colors used on a map.

• Sometimes the symbols used for a map key or legend will resemble the objects they are supposed to represent, but they don’t have to.

Compass Rose

• A compass rose is used to show direction on a map.

• A compass rose will usually feature the four cardinal directions – north, south, east, and west

• Sometimes it will also show the in-between or intermediate directions – northwest, northeast, southwest, and southeast

Scale• A map scale is used to show the distance

between two places on a map.• It also shows the relationship between a

measurement on a map and the measurement in real life. For example, 1 inch on the map might be equal to 100 miles in real life! 

• Scales stand for different distances, depending on what is shown on the map

• Scales can show very small areas or very large areas (like an entire country or continent).

Using a Scale

To use a scale, you simply copy the scale on the map onto a piece of paper with a straight edge.

This map scale shows you that it is about 400 miles from Baton Rouge, LA to Columbus, Georgia.

• Equator– Latitude lines measure distance north and

south of the equator• Prime meridian

– Longitude lines measure distance east and west of the prime meridian.

Latitude and Longitude

Map Activity• We will be completing a map that includes the

major lines of latitude and longitude.• Major Lines of Latitude: Arctic Circle, Tropic of

Cancer, Equator, Tropic of Capricorn, Antarctic Circle

• Major Lines of Longitude: Prime Meridian, International Date Line (this last one will not be on our map, but it’s a good one to know!)

• We will also be making a key for our map and filling in a compass rose.

• Listen carefully and wait for directions. If you do not follow directions, you will lose points!

Major Circles of Latitude

Locate and label the 5 major lines of latitude. Write in small letters to the side or on top of the lines.

60º N

60º S

20º N

20º S

0º

Major Line of Longitude

The Prime Meridian is located at 0° longitude. Locate and label this line!

Map Activity Step 1: Get 8 different color markers.

Step 2: Fill in the key/legend. Color in each of the circles in the key a different color.

Step 3: Color each of the major lines on the map using the same color that you put in the key. For example, if the key for the prime meridian circle is blue, you should outline the prime meridian in blue. If they key circle for the equator is yellow, you should outline the equator in yellow.

Step 4: Complete the compass rose by writing in the directions, using one color to write the cardinal directions and a different color to write the intermediate directions. The colors you use should match the colors in your key!