Lesson 1: Maps

Objective: The students will locate Florida and other significant geographical locations of the state on a globe, world map, and U.S. map. Use longitude and latitude to locate places within Florida. Use the compass rose to determine cardinal and intermediate directions on their map.

Materials: globe; maps (world, U.S., state) on CD-ROM atlas; poster board; paper; pencil; markers; overhead projector; draw and paint applications of software; computer with Internet; an outline map transparency of state, country, and world. Students will also visit book marked Internet web sites to investigate maps of Florida.

Activity: The students will draw an outline of how they think Florida looks without looking at a map, and include a dot to mark their location.  The students will use various maps, globes, and computer software to locate Florida.  After viewing maps in class using the overhead transparencies, they will continue investigating on their own. Students visit  http://worldatlas.com and http://nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/ (click on Atlas, select the United States of America, select the state of your choice). They will then download a map of Florida, locating and labeling bordering states, bodies of water (oceans, rivers, and lakes), state capitol, major cities, and attractions using longitude and latitude to correctly complete their maps. (ex: Tallahassee, Miami, Lake Okeechobee, St. John's River, Tampa Bay, Disney World, Cape Canaveral, St. Augustine, and Key West) They may research with a partner or in a small group. Students then use the Draw and Paint applications of desktop publishing software to complete map.

Evaluation:  Each student, or group of students, will have completed a state map which includes major cities, bodies of water, state capitol, and major attractions.

Extension Activity: Map Your Neighborhood

• Students will use the Internet to learn how to map their neighborhood
• Launch Internet and log onto http://yahoo.com/  
• Type in address and click on Get Map
• Print out map
• Have students compare maps
• Students can also print out driving directions to their neighborhood

Homework: Students will use Yahoo Get Map to locate their school and print out a map of the school. Tip: give students the URL of Yahoo and the address and zip of their school in class. Tell students to have parents help them.