Groton Public Schools Curriculum Map INTRODUCTION Mini Course Title: Map Skills -Where In The World Am I? Curriculum Area and Grade: Social Studies - Grade 7 Course Purpose: To provide students with enrichment activities in the area of geography through map reading and map making skills. Hands on activities will stimulate interest and provoke decision making and higher level thinking skills.
Major Learning Goals and Understandings: Student Learning Expectation(s): Students will be able to identify, create and read different types of maps and globes and use a Global
Positioning System to get to a destination.
21st Century Learning Expectation(s): (see attached: P21 Framework: www.P21.org ) Decision making skills, higher level thinking skills,
group work, technology, engagement, and creativity.
Units / 6 weeks 1. Projection Maps
2. Globes
3. Digital Maps- perspective
4. Computerized map making
5. Reading Maps
6. Using a Global Positioning System
Mappers/Authors: Deborah H. Waddicor Date Approved: October 2012
Part 1 - Unit/Theme/Concept Grade: 7
Subject: Social Studies
Course: Map Skills -Where In The World Am I? Mini Course
Length of Unit: (# of weeks) 6 weeks
Common Core State Standards Reading Standards for Literacy in Science and Technical Subjects Key Ideas and Details # 3- Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks. Craft and Structure # 4- Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain- specific words and phrases as they are used in a specific scientific or technical context relevant to grades 6-8 texts and topics. Supporting Standards
(See below)
Connecticut State Standards Standard 2: History/Social Studies Literacy Competence in literacy, inquiry, and research skills is necessary to analyze, evaluate, and present history and social studies information. 2.1- Access and gather information from a variety of primary and secondary sources including electronic media, (maps, charts, graphs, images, artifacts, recordings and text. 2.5- Create and present relevant social studies materials using both print and electronic media (e.g. maps, charts, models, displays)
Part 2 – Standards Key (GLE) Content Knowledge and Concepts/Skills
The students will know:
The students will be able to:
How to identify a variety of maps including and not limited to, projective maps, road, landform and topographical maps. The location of the continents on the globe. How perspective affects making maps. How to read a road map. How to create a map How to use a Global Positioning System
Read and comprehend a variety of nonfiction articles focusing on Projection maps and globes. Create a replica of a projection map and explain how it is used. Understand the location of the continents on the globe by reading nonfiction articles, JR. Scholastic magazine maps and an atlas to learn. Create a 3 dimensional geodesic dome of the Earth and correctly place the continents on it. Understand how perspective affects making a map. Use a digital camera to create a map that others can follow. Read nonfiction articles to learn about the parts of a map and how maps are used. Use the computer to create a map leaving the school and arriving at the student’s house. Analyze nonfiction maps to understand how map grids are used, how to follow directions to a given location, to calculate distance, and to write specific directions. Understand nonfiction article’s instruction on the use of a Global Positioning System Device. Apply directions to operate a Global Positioning System to locate a given location.
Bloom’s Taxonomy Levels Creating, Evaluating, Analyzing, Applying, Understanding and Remembering
Students will create digital maps by applying and evaluating specific mapmaking skills.
Big Idea and Essential Questions
Big Idea: There are different types of maps that help interpret the geographic world in which we live.
Essential Questions: Why are there so many different types of maps and how does geography impact our lives?
Part 3 – Common Unit Assessments Demonstrate facility with the following map-making activities: projection maps, geodesic dome of the Earth, digital map, computer map.
Part 4 – Common/Assured Learning Experiences Group work and collaborative learning experiences Comprehension skills with nonfiction articles Analyze, read and evaluate maps Following step by step instructions Group Presentation Skills Use a GPS device
Part 5-Teacher Notes
Computers Hand held GPS Digital Cameras JR. Scholastic magazine World atlas www.discoveryed.com www.edhelper.com www.brainpop.com
