Geography for Kindergarten! Lauren Mcdonald-Webquest

Introduction

Standards

These standards are from the state of Virginia. They are standards for Kindergarten-Social Science.

Geography- SOL K.4: The student will use simple maps and globes to:

a) develop an awareness that a map is a drawing of a place to show where things are located and that a globe is a round model of the Earth;

c) locate land and water features.

Welcome

Welcome: Kindergarten Geography- Maps

Description: This is an interactive WebQuest for students to get more hands-on work in learning about maps and the different aspects of mapping. We will be using both regular maps and some globes. Students will be working on the computer to complete a couple different mapping games covering different parts of the SOL on mapping.

Grade Level: Kindergarten

Curriculum: Social Studies

Keywords: globe, map, left, right, directions, map key, symbols

Author: Lauren McDonald

Introduction

Read the directions carefully and follow the order of the pages as we dive into our study on maps! We will become familiar with the different parts of maps, and then in the end, you will have the opportunity to create your own map! We will use our laptops to play interactive games and activities to get some more practice before we make our own map!

Task

  • The first part is you will explore the first link on the task page and complete the game. This will be having you listen to the character saying different directions and you will be asked to create a path for him on the map.
  • The second part is you will explore the second link on the task page, which is also a game. This time, however, you will be learning how to navigate a map key and what the different symbols mean.
  • Finally, we will come to class and you will be placed in groups of 3-4 and will be asked to make a map of a chosen place. This could be the school, your house, a zoo, or another chosen place.

Process

  1. Maps can be used to give us a way to get from one place to another place. This is one of the most important reasons to use maps. It gives us a view from the sky of everywhere around us so we can figure out the best path to take
  2. Click the blue words (the link) below and listen to the directions. When he is completely finished reading the directions, create a map path for him.
  3. We will be practicing this activity a lot because it is important to learn how to make a path from one place to another.
  1. One part of map skills is learning to use the words and pictures around the edge of the maps. These are called map symbols or map keys. They all have a meaning and make it easier to read and make maps. Instead of writing out all the words, we just put a picture in the place.
  2. For the second game, you will need to listen to the directions as you go through the game. You will get a lot of practice in this game on map symbols and map keys. You will need to help the guy find the correct symbols. Play as many times as you want to help you gain better understanding on the different symbols
  3. Click the blue words below to start the game.
  1. This last part is to be completed in class as a group. You will be placed in a group of 3-4 students and will be asked to use your imagination to create a map.
  2. Your group should work through each one of these steps together in order to make a good map.
  3. The first thing you need to do is gather supplies. You will need some type of paper to create your map on--this can be construction paper, blank paper, or anything the teacher says you can use.

4. Then you will need to decide what your map is going to be of. It can be a map of the school, it can be a map of your neighborhood, a map of a zoo, whatever your group can agree with.

5. The next part is a start and and end to your map. If you choose a park, you will need to choose an animal or person and create a path for them to walk on. 3 map key words, a start and a destination)

6. Finally, you must include a map key with at least 3 map words on it. This will be placed on the side of your map. You can use the symbols you learned from the computer game or ones you find in any books from the classroom.

This is an example of what your map key should look like. However, you can use whatever symbols you choose.

Evaluation

The rubric for this lesson is attached below.

Conclusion

Through this WebQuest, you have learned so much about the basics of maps! Maps help us explore the world around us and help show us directions from one place to another. Now that you have this knowledge on maps, you can begin making maps for everything, your house, your room, places you visit, etc. I hope you have enjoyed learning about maps together!

Teacher Page

This webquest is designed for students to use and for teachers/parents to read to the students as they go through and complete it.

Standards:

Virginia, Social Studies Standards, Kindergarten

Geography- SOL K.4: The student will use simple maps and globes to:

a) develop an awareness that a map is a drawing of a place to show where things are located and that a globe is a round model of the Earth;

c) locate land and water features.

Materials Needed:

Different types of maps around the room

Laptops for each student

Pencils and crayons

Construction paper

Diversity and Differentiation: Many students will need help reading this webquest and will also need help in understanding how to go in order. That is why the final project is done in a group so that students have time to take what they have learned and share it with a group. Many of the online games can be harder for students who are ELL's or ADD, so have either a fellow classmate or teacher sit beside these students and help them listen and then follow the directions to efficiently get the most out of these games.

Created By
Lauren McDonald
Appreciate
Created with images by Horia Varlan - "Old key chain in the shape of a small Earth globe" • jdtornow - "Globe" • Martyn Wright - "World map" • Vector Open Stock - "Desktop earth globe cartoon"

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