Mapping Magic

Title: Mapping Magic
Subject: Social Studies
Grade Level: 3 - 4


Overview:
Students will visit Black Bayou Lake refuge. While there they will follow a map to visit certain areas of the refuge such as The Pier, The Nature Trail, etc. The students will use a hand held compass to aid them in their directions. Back at school the students will create a map of the Black Bayou Lake area in KidPix. They will add a compass rose and a legend. The students will identify Black Bayou Lake as a physical feature.

Approximate Duration: 3 - 60 minute lessons
Content Standards:
Geography: Physical and Cultural Systems
Students develop a spatial understanding of Earth's surface and the processes that shape it, the connections between people and places, and the relationship between man and his environment.

Benchmarks:
G-1A-E1
identifying and describing the characteristics and uses of geographic representations, such as various types of maps, globes, graphs, diagrams, photographs, and satellite-produced images.
G-1A-E2
locating and interpreting geographic features and places on maps and globes;
G-1A-E3
constructing maps, graphs, charts, and diagrams to describe geographical information and to solve problems;

Grade-Level Expectations (GLEs):
The World in Spatial Terms
Grade 3
4. Use a compass rose and cardinal directions to locate and interpret a map of the community and Louisiana (G-1A-E2)
5. Locate major geographic features of Louisiana on a map
(G-1A-E2)
7. Sketch a simple map of Louisiana from memory (mental map)
(G-1A-E3)
Grade 4
1. Interpret different kinds of maps using a map key/legend, compass rose, cardinal and intermediate directions, and distance scale
(G-1A-E1)
2. Use a variety of images or other spatial graphics (e.g., aerial photographs, satellite images) to locate major physical and human characteristics
(G-1A-E1)
5. Draw, complete, and add features to a map (including such map elements as a title, compass rose, legend, and scale), based on given information
(G-1A-E3)

Interdisciplinary Connections:
Science : Physical Science
Students will develop an understanding of the characteristics and interrelationships of matter and energy in the physical world.

Educational Technology Standards:
Use a variety of developmentally appropriate resources and productivity tools (e.g., logical thinking programs, writing and graphic tools, digital cameras, graphing software) for communication, presentation, and illustration of thoughts, ideas, and stories.

Use technology tools (e.g., publishing, multimedia tools, and word processing software) for individual and for simple collaborative writing, communication, and publishing activities for a variety of audiences.

Gather information and communicate with others using telecommunications (e.g., email, video conference, internet) with support from teachers, family members, or peers.

Objectives:
1. The learner will identify and explain the use of a legend, map symbols and distance scale.
2. The students will identify and label a compass rose.
3. The students will correctly use a compass.
4. The students will construct a map of the Black Bayou Lake refuge in KidPix.

Lesson Materials and Resources:
Outline of the Black Bayou Lake refuge area
Videos from United Streaming
Sharpies
Transparencies
Compass

Technology Tools and Materials:
Hardware:
Multi-Media Computer
Internet
Printer

Software:
KidPix

Websites:
TerraServer - USA
http://terraserver-usa.com/
Black Bayou Lake refuge
http://www.fws.gov/northlouisiana/blackbayoulake/
"Do-It-Yourself" State Maps
http://monarch.tamu.edu/~maps2/
How To Use a Compass
http://www.learn-orienteering.org/old/

Background Information:
The students will be familiar with their community. The students will have limited knowledge with the actual use of a compass. Students will have varying levels of ability when reading and interpreting maps. Most of the students will not have experience using satellite-produced images. Most of the students will be familiar with the computer; however, students may not be familiar with the software, KidPix.

Lesson Procedures:
Day 1
1. To pique interest in this lesson we will fly over Black Bayou Lake refuge using TerraServer. The address is 480 Richland Place, Monroe, LA. 71203. Discuss the satellite-produced images with the students.
2. View a video from LPB CyberChannel," Understanding and Using Maps and Globes," and/or "Maps in Physical Geography."
3. Review the parts of a map such as the legend and compass rose.
4. Complete the Compass Rose worksheet.
 
Day 2
1. Next, take the students on a field trip to Black Bayou Lake refuge where they are going to use a real compass and a follow a map to the trails. (The procedures may be modified to suit the teacher.)
2. The students will be place in groups for this activity.
3. The students will explore with the compass. The students will notice that no matter what direction they face, the compass needle always points to the north.
4. Discuss what we can see when we face north. What can we see when we face south?
Day 3
1. Back at school have the students trace an outline of the Black Bayou Lake refuge area in KidPix.
2. The students will then add a compass rose and a legend for their map. The students may use the stamp feature to decorate their map.
3. Place all of the maps in a KidPix slideshow for a show and tell activity.

Assessment Procedures:
KidPix Map
KidPix Rubric
Observation of students with the use of a compass

Accommodations/Modifications:
Students will work in groups.
Consult individual IEPs for modifications.

Reproducible Materials:
Compass Rose
Outline of Black Bayou Lake refuge
Mapping Magic
 KidPix Rubric

Explorations and Extensions:
The teacher could use websites to aid in the teaching of additional mapping skills.
Teachers can visit websites for additional resources for teaching mapping skills.
Students could use TerraServer to locate their residence.

Lesson Development Resources:
Model Curriculum and GLEs
http://www.louisianaschools.net/lde/saa/1914.html
LPB CyberChannel
http://www.lpb.org/education/cyberchannel.cfm
Compass Rose
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/geography/printouts/compassrose.shtml
People of Louisiana Lesson Plan
http://www.louisianaschools.net/lde/intech/k6/day3/lapeopleframeset.htm
Directions to Refuge Map
 http://www.fws.gov/northlouisiana/blackbayoulake/

Contact Information:
Rosemary Dillingham
rosemary.dillingham@mcschools.net
Instructional Technology
Additional Contacts:
Joyce Tate
Science Specialist
joyce.tate@mcschools.net

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