Map Activity Lesson

Map Activity Lesson
Directions: Identify the following locations on the map of the United States of America (USA). To do
this, create a key entry for each location and plot that symbol on the map. Additionally, write the
abbreviation for each state on the map as well. Make sure that your abbreviation is as small as
possible.
1. Grand Canyon: Located in Arizona
The Grand Canyon is huge gorge that was carved out by the Colorado River over millions of years. It is
almost 300 miles long and sometimes up to a mile deep.
2. Salton Sea: Located in California
The Salton Sea is a salt lake that is home to numerous bird species. This lake is at risk of dying because
it is becoming too salty. People are working hard to save the lake.
3. Great Salt Lake: Located in Utah
The Great Salt Lake is the largest salt lake in the Western Hemisphere. Because it is so salty, fish do not
live in the lake, but birds love it!
4. Mojave Desert: Located mostly in California
This American desert receives less than 10 inches of rain each year.
5. Chisholm Trail: Located between Kansas and Texas
A trail used after the American Civil War to move cattle over land. This trail ran from Texas to railway
locations Kansas. There was an oversupply of cattle in Texas, on the other hand, there was great
demand for beef in the big cities in the North.
6. Great Western Trail: Located between Texas and Nebraska
A way to move cattle from Texas, where there was a glut, to cities in the North where there was great
demand for meat. The trail ran from Texas to Nebraska.
7. Fort Sumter: Located on the coat of South Carolina
The site of the first shots fired making the beginning of the American Civil War (1861-1865).
Other Locations
Atlanta, GA
Kitty Hawk, NC
Pittsburgh, PA
Gettysburg, PA
Montgomery, AL.
Pearl Harbor, HI
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MAP KEY
Create your own symbol for the locations below and plot those locations on the map.
Additionally, write the abbreviation for each state on the map.
Map Key
Grand Canyon (Arizona)
Salton Sea (CA)
Mojave Desert (CA)
Chisholm Trail (TX-KS)
Great Western Trail (Texas- NE)
Kitty Hawk, NC
© AccuTeach
Map Key
Great Salt Lake (UT)
Fort Sumter, SC
Atlanta, GA
Pearl Harbor, HI
Pittsburgh, PA
Montgomery, AL.
Gettysburg, PA
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Grand Canyon: Arizona
The Grand Canyon is huge gorge
that was carved out by the
Colorado River over millions of
years. It is almost 300 miles
long and sometimes up to a
mile deep.
Great Salt Lake: Located in Utah
The Great Salt Lake is the
largest salt lake in the Western
Hemisphere. Because it is so
salty, fish do not live in the lake,
but birds love it!
Salton Sea: Located in California
The Salton Sea is a salt lake that is
home to numerous bird species.
Additionally, the lake is at risk of
drying up. People are working hard
to save the lake.
Mojave Desert: Mostly in
California
This American desert receives less
than 10 inches of rain each year.
© AccuTeach
http://www.AccuTeach.com