Mapping It Out

Grade 2

Social Studies Online

Blueprint Skill Geography Grade 2

Recognize that a map contains elements such as title, scale, symbols, legends, grids, and cardinal and intermediate directions.

What’s on a map?

Maps have a lot of information, but you need to know how to read them. There are several parts to a map which explain details and help you really see where you are and where you're going.

Legend

Maps often have symbols to represent such features as highways, small roads, campgrounds, and rest areas. These symbols are listed in the legend.

Compass

The compass shows the directions on a map: north, south, east, and west.

Index

The index tells you where to find a specific place on a map. Depending on the size and type of map you're using, the index can help you locate a city, town, or street.

Scale

The scale helps you measure the distance betweeen two places. When you know the distance you can calculate how long the trip will take.

Resources

What’s on a map?Map Adventures (handout)