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84 lessons ยท 1st Grade
A map is a drawing that shows a place from above, like a bird looking down. Maps use symbols and colors to show roads, rivers, and buildings.
A compass rose on a map shows four directions: north, south, east, and west. North is usually at the top of the map.
A map legend (or key) tells you what the symbols on a map mean. A blue line might mean a river, and a small square might mean a building.
There are different kinds of maps. Some show mountains and rivers. Others show countries and cities. Weather maps show rain and sunshine.
A globe is a round model of Earth. It shows all the continents and oceans. A globe is more accurate than a flat map because Earth is round.
Map scale helps you figure out real distances. If one inch on the map equals one mile, you can measure to see how far apart places are.
Street maps show roads and buildings in a town or city. They help people find addresses and figure out how to get somewhere.
You can make your own map! Draw your classroom, your bedroom, or your neighborhood. Show where things are using simple pictures.
Grid coordinates help you find places on a map. You use a letter and a number, like B3, to describe a specific spot โ just like in a board game.
Maps have been around for thousands of years. Long ago, people drew maps on animal skins and clay tablets to show where things were.
Some maps show where animals live. These are called habitat maps. They can show where bears, whales, or butterflies are found.
Treasure maps are a fun kind of map! They show a path to follow to find something hidden. X marks the spot!
Road maps help families plan car trips. They show highways, rest stops, and how far it is between cities.
Weather maps on TV show where it is raining, snowing, or sunny. Meteorologists use weather maps to tell us what the weather will be.
Maps help us understand our world. Whether you are finding your way to a friend's house or learning about a faraway country, maps are useful tools!