**Grade: 2nd Grade**
**Subject: Social Studies**
**Topic: Basic Geography Skills**
**Objectives:**
1. Students will be able to identify and name the seven continents and five oceans on a map.
2. Students will be able to use cardinal directions (North, South, East, and West) correctly.
3. Students will understand the concept of a map key/legend and compass rose.
4. Students will be able to understand basic map symbols and their meanings.
**Materials Needed:**
- World map
- Globe
- Cardboard compass roses
- Blank world maps (one per student)
- Coloring crayons/pencils
- Map key/legend worksheets
- Stickers or stamps
- "Me on the Map" by Joan Sweeney (optional, for a storytime segment)
- Projector or large screen (optional)
**Content:**
**Introduction (10 minutes):**
1. **Warm-up Activity:** Start with a short story or video about a trip around the world. This will capture the students' interest and provide a practical context for the lesson.
- Optional: Read "Me on the Map" by Joan Sweeney.
2. **Discussion:** Briefly introduce the concept of geography. Explain that geography helps us understand different places on Earth and how to read maps.
**Instruction (25 minutes):**
1. **Seven Continents and Five Oceans:**
- Show students a world map and a globe. Point out and name the seven continents and five oceans.
- Distribute blank world maps to students. Ask them to color the continents (each continent with a different color) and label them.
- Assist students in identifying and labeling the five oceans on their maps.
2. **Cardinal Directions:**
- Teach students the four cardinal directions: North, South, East, and West. Use the world map and a compass rose to illustrate these directions.
- Have students practice using cardboard compass roses to find directions on their blank maps.
- Play a simple game where students respond to directional clues (e.g., "Move your finger to the north of Africa").
3. **Map Key/Legend:**
- Explain the purpose of a map key/legend and how it helps us understand map symbols.
- Show an example of a simple map key with symbols representing a park, school, house, and river.
- Provide each student with a map key/legend worksheet. Guide them through creating simple symbols in the worksheet, such as a tree for a park, a building for a school, etc.
**Activity (15 minutes):**
- **Interactive Map Activity:**
- Project a large blank world map on the board (or use a large printed map).
- Ask for volunteers to come up and place stickers or stamps on the correct continents and oceans as you call them out.
- Encourage class participation by cheering for correct placements.
**Conclusion (10 minutes):**
1. **Review and Recap:**
- Quickly review the seven continents, five oceans, and cardinal directions.
- Reiterate the importance of the map key/legend.
- Praise students for their hard work and participation.
2. **Exit Ticket:**
- Hand out small index cards or sticky notes and ask students to write one thing they learned about maps today.
**Assessment:**
- Observe students' participation during activities and discussions.
- Review students' completed blank world maps and map key/legend worksheets.
- Collect and review exit tickets for understanding and retention.
**Extension Activities:**
- **Homework:** Assign students to create a simple map of their bedroom or home, including a key/legend with at least three symbols.
- **Extra:** Plan a follow-up lesson on local geography, focusing on the students’ town, state, or country.
**Accommodation:**
- **For students needing extra help:** Provide one-on-one support during activities and use picture cards to reinforce concepts.
- **For advanced students:** Challenge them to learn and label additional geographic features like major rivers, mountain ranges, or countries within a continent.
**Reflection:**
- After the lesson, reflect on what worked well and what could be improved for future lessons. Consider students’ engagement, understanding, and areas needing more focus.