Are you always trying to find new ways to help students read maps? I know I am! Honestly, it is challenging to teach mapping skills. There is a lot to learn, and it is hard for students to visualize such a large area within one paper. This is why it is crucial to make lessons hands-on and student-centered. They need to be active learners while learning mapping skills versus sitting back and listening. Thankfully, there are so many amazing resources for maps that do this!Â
World Geography Mapping UnitÂ
This resource is an incredible way to make mapping skills relatable and hands-on in the social studies classroom!
Specifically, there are 26 physical geography maps and scavenger hunt activities.
Students will begin by creating a physical map on a worksheet. They will label key features and gain an understanding of why this is so important. Then, students will embark on a Where in the World Scavenger Hunt printable clue game. They will guess the features by reading four descriptive clues for differing geographical features. They will have so much fun building their mapping skills while going on a scavenger hunt!Â
Age of European Exploration Routes
Honestly, it is challenging to teach exploration routes and why people need to move in specific ways. Thankfully, this resource changes that! Students will explore various maps through clickable activities. This includes clicking on major features, including departure countries, routes, and destinations. As these aspects appear, students will work on labeling them and coloring them in. It will be amazing to see the growth in mapping skills with this activity!
U.S Geography Practice Â
This is the ultimate student-centered map!
As students click, a new land feature will appear for them to label and color in. Then, they will read and complete a graphic organizer based on their discoveries. After this, they will drag labels into self-checking lessons.
This is an amazing hands-on activity that provides tons of practice at mapping skills!
Continents and OceansÂ
It is so important for students to practice identifying continents and oceans on maps! So, this resource has different continents and oceans appearing for students to label and color. There are even blank maps included for students ready for an extra challenge.
More Incredible Social Studies Lessons
Be sure to check out History with Instructomania for FREEBIES and more amazing resources! There are so many thought-provoking, student-centered activities to pick from. Â
While maps may seem scary to students at first, these resources will transform their thinking. All of the resources ensure students have supportive, hands-on activities that help them develop their mapping skills. Students will quickly grow to love identifying and labeling key areas and features on maps!
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