Thematic+Unit+-+Part+II

Nature Mapping 1. Explain to students how to use maps. Demonstrate several different types of maps, such as topographic, city, or state maps. 2. Ask students to list what information they can get from a map, such as directions, Landmarks, and building projects. 3. Ask students to work together to determine which map would be best to find their way in the following scenarios: Going from your house to a downtown library (city map) Going from your house to a different elevation (topographic map) Going from your house to a different country (world map) Going from the school to the airport (road map) Are some students picking up software skills more quickly than others? Ask them to help the students who are having trouble. Test your students’ understanding of directions and mapping by taking them outside and asking them to point or position cards in the directions you say aloud (such as east,   west, or southeast). How’d your students do? Here are some ways to assess your students’ comprehension, reflective of grade level. Student was able to point or place cards in the correct direction eight out of eight times. Student was able to point or place cards in the correct direction seven out of eight times. Student was able to point or place cards in the correct direction fewer than seven out of eight times. NatureMapping Pre-Lesson Preparation: Create a rough diagram of your schoolyard on a 4-foot-square piece of colored paper. You will add landmarks and points of interest later. 1.  Show students your diagram of the schoolyard and discuss the orientation. Ask: Which way is north on our school grounds? What kinds of things could we add to make it easier for new students to find their way around our school? Make a list. 2.  Ask students to sketch a map of the schoolyard in their field journals, noting important landmarks and geography. 3.  Brainstorm different elements they’d like to include on the map, such as flagpoles, swings, trees, baseball diamonds, or lights. 4.  Write the points of interest you come up with on note cards, and give one to each student. 5.  Each student will draw the object listed on his or her note card on small pieces of paper. They will add these to the schoolyard diagram. 6.  Ask students to attach each item to the diagram where they think it belongs. Use transparent tape so that students can move the objects around easily in the next section.
 * Part 2: Maps **
 * KEY Points **
 * Practical **
 * **Student Assessment** **
 * Exceeds standard **
 * Meets standard **
 * Below standard **
 * Practical and Assessment **
 * Part 1: Mapping the Schoolyard Geographically **