Activity
Lesson Name
Time Allotment
Materials
Lesson Summary
Teacher Preparation
Instructional Procedure
2.2
Relative Location and Using Maps
1 Class Period (50 minute class periods)
For Teachers
 SR 2.2: Relative Location and Using
Maps
 SR 2.2: Reading Comprehension
Questions: Answer Key
 Timer
 Writing Prompt
 Dry Erase Markers/Whiteboard
 Video: Mapping Ohio
 Interactive Map
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For Students
SR 2.2: Relative Location and Using Maps
Half sheet of white paper
Pencils
Notebooks or notebook paper
Group Artifact
Writing Prompt
Students will use the interactive map tool to demonstrate their understanding of how to identify
map features and describe the relative location of various cities in Ohio.
 Read SR 2.2: Relative Location and Using Maps and the Lesson Plan.
 Gather needed materials
 Bring up the Interactive Map Tool
Period 1
Pre-Assessment: Watch the Video: Mapping Ohio. On a blank sheet of paper, have students write
down everything they know about relative location in one minute. When time is up, have students
turn the paper over, and write down everything they know about maps in one minute. When
finished have students share some of their responses with the class. Use the video questions as a
guide for a class discussion on maps and relative location.
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Activity 2.2: Relative Location and Using Maps
Vocabulary and Concepts
Extension
1. Pass out and read SR 2.2: Relative Location and Using Maps as a class. After each paragraph,
discuss the main concepts and vocabulary words. Use the images to demonstrate the main
concepts. Write the key vocabulary terms and their definitions on the whiteboard.
2. When finished, have the students complete the reading comprehension questions with a
partner. Review the answers as a class.
3. Then, using the Interactive Map tool in Ohio as America, show students the different types of
Ohio maps. While viewing these maps, ask them to describe the direction they would travel
to reach particular features, if they are looking at a physical or political map, have them read
the map legend and discuss what information the map is displaying, and ask them questions
that require them to use the map legend for interpretation.
Post-Assessment: Have student complete the Writing Prompt. When finished, have them share
some of their responses.
 Relative Location: the location of a place in relation to other places;
 Map Title: identifies what the map is about;
 Compass Rose: a symbol with four points printed on a map to show the directions;
 Cardinal Directions: the four main directions: north, south, east, and west;
 Intermediate Directions: the four directions that fall between the cardinal directions:
northeast, southeast, southwest, and northwest;
 Map Key or Legend: the section of a map that explains the meaning of each symbol used on
the map;
 Map Scale: a tool used to measure distance on a map, which corresponds to a distance on
the ground;
 Political Map: shows the location of cities, states, and countries;
 Physical Map: shows landforms such as mountains and bodies of water.
 Pair students with compasses and take a walking tour to a designated location in your
school. Have students record directions and write a paragraph on how to get to the location
using map features.
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Activity 2.2: Relative Location and Using Maps
Differentiation
Standards Alignment
Connections to 21st
Century Skills
Attachments
Suggested Resources
Cross Curricular
Connection
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Read the article in pairs or in small groups.
Use vocabulary words in sentences with illustrations.
Read the article independently.
Ohio’s Learning Standards for Social Studies Grade 4:
9. A map scale and cardinal and intermediate directions can be used to describe the relative
location of physical and human characteristics of Ohio and the United States.
Speaking and Listening
 Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with
diverse partners
 Present information, findings and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line
of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose
and audience.
 Writing Prompt
 SR 2.2: Relative Location and Using Maps
 SR 2.2: Reading Comprehension Questions: Answer Key
 Scott Foresman Social Studies Ohio: Building Geography Skills p. H12-H15
Ohio’s Learning Standards for English Language Arts Grade 4:
 RI 4.7 Interpret information presented visually, orally, or quantitatively and explain how the
information contributes to an understanding of the text in which it appears.
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Activity 2.2: Relative Location and Using Maps