Map Terms Kids Should Know About

June 30, 2014
Teaching kids how to use and work on maps starts first with getting them acquainted with the map terminology. These are the different geographic terms and map concepts that will allow students to identify and understand the lingo used in map creation and description.For instance to describe the exact position of a point, students need to know the difference between absolute and relative locations. They should also able to understand what the word equator or hemisphere means. These and several other important map terminology are included in this wonderful article from Kid World Citizen.

image source: http://kidworldcitizen.org/

These map words and concepts are illustrated and defined in such a simple language that your kids will easily grasp. Share the list with your kids and students and when they are ready to start creating their own maps, these map creation tools are a great start for them.

I learned about this resource through Langwitches.

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Free Downloadable Maps to Use in Class

June 3, 2014
I got an email earlier today from a teacher asking about a web resource where she can download US maps.USGS is the one I suggested to her. USGS provides digital topographic maps for free. These maps are available fore free web download from the USGS Store. They can also be downloaded in PDF format. The great feature I like the most about this website is that it provides a set of lessons that accompany the different maps shared here. Each of these lessons is organized by grade level and time needed for the completion of the activity.

Using USGS maps, users will be able to perform different tasks on them. They can, for instance, turn data layers on and off as needed, zoom in and out to examine specific features or see a broader area, and print the maps in their entirety or in customized sections on a broad array of printing devices.
Users can also have access to a wide variety of US historical maps using the Historical Topographic Map Collection. These maps also are available for download through the USGS Store.




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