Handouts
for G.B. Ekiss’
D.O.G.S.T.A.I.L.S. Lesson
This file has the following materials:
• Overhead for teacher presentation of the DOGS’ TAILS acronym (presented, for example, by
progressive disclosure of each successive initial)
• Student worksheets in different styles
• Arrows to be attached to maps on the wall, for example, during the initial teacher presentation of each
letter in the acronym
DOGS’ TAILS SYSTEM
When was the map made?
Is it still reliable?
What are the principal directions shown, and
O Orientation
how are they shown?
What kind of grid system is used?
G Grid
(Latitude/Longitude or Coordinates?)
S Scale
Is there a map scale?
What is the title of the map?
T Title
What is the time and place of the map?
A Author
Who made the map?
Does the map have an alphabetical listing of
I Index
places and a grid?
Does the map have a legend that explains the
L Legend
map symbols?
Does the map show this location in relation to
S Situation
other places, such as an inset map?
D Date
Introduction to Maps
Name ____________________ .Period____________________
DOGS' TAILS
D ___________________________
O ___________________________
G ___________________________
S ___________________________
T ___________________________
A ___________________________
I ___________________________
L ___________________________
S ___________________________
Introduction to Maps
Name ____________________ .Period____________________
DOGS' TAILS
Use your map to find the following parts to a map. Write your answers in the boxes
provided on the paper.
DATE
Find the map's date
ORIENTATION
Does the map have a compass rose?
YES or NO
If it does not, how can you determine the
orientation?
GRID:
Does the map use a grid? YES or NO
If it does, is it latitude/longitude or a
letter/number system?
SCALE
Does the map have a scale marked?
What is it? Remember, scale shows the
relationships between distance on the
map and distance on the earth.
TITLE
What is the name of the map?
AUTHOR
Who is the cartographer? Who made the
map?
INDEX
Does the map have an index of the places
listed on the map?
LEGEND
Does the map have a legend?
SITUATION
Does the map have a situation?
Note: not all maps will have all elements.
Introduction to Maps
Name ____________________ .Period____________________
Using the map provided, find the information required in DOGS' TAILS
D ______________________
Map:
O ______________________
Map:
G ______________________
Map:
S ______________________
Map:
T ______________________
Map:
A ______________________
Map:
I ______________________
Map:
L ______________________
Map:
S ______________________
Map:
DOGSTAILS ARROWS COURTESY OF JEANNINE KUROPATKIN