Lesson Plan for Grade 3 - Social Studies - Geography (physical features, map skills)

### Lesson Plan: Geography (Physical Features and Map Skills) #### Grade Level: 3rd Grade #### Subject: Social Studies #### Duration: 60 minutes #### Objectives: - Students will be able to identify and describe various physical features of the Earth. - Students will develop basic map skills, including understanding map symbols, the compass rose, and reading a map key. - Students will create a simple map that includes physical features and utilizes map skills. #### Materials Needed: - World map and/or globe - Interactive digital map or map-making software (optional) - Large paper and colored markers/crayons - Index cards with different physical features (mountain, river, desert, etc.) - Map symbols handout - Compass rose worksheet - Key for maps template #### Standards Met: - Understanding geography and the world around us. - Using geographic tools to locate and analyze information about people, places, and environments. #### Lesson Outline: **Introduction (10 minutes):** 1. **Engage students**: - Start with a question: "What do you see when you look out your window? How might those features be represented on a map?" - Discuss briefly what geography is and how it helps us understand the world. - Show a globe or world map and point out various physical features (e.g., mountains, rivers, deserts). **Instruction (20 minutes):** 2. **Present key concepts**: - **Physical Features**: - Explain the different physical features of the Earth (e.g., mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes, oceans, deserts). - Show pictures or short videos of each feature to solidify understanding. - **Map Skills**: - Introduce basic map skills: understanding the compass rose (North, South, East, West), map symbols (legend/key), and how to read them. - Distribute handouts on map symbols and the compass rose. - Demonstrate how to use a map key to identify features on a sample map. 3. **Interactive Activity** (10 minutes): - **Physical Features Match**: - Hand out index cards with pictures/words of different physical features. - Have students match them with their names on a large classroom display. - Discuss why each feature is important and where they might be found. **Guided Practice (15 minutes):** 4. **Map Creation**: - Provide each student with a large sheet of paper and colored markers/crayons. - Guide them in creating a simple map of an imaginary place. - Instruct them to: - Draw at least three different physical features (e.g., a mountain range, a river, and a desert). - Include a compass rose to indicate direction. - Create a key with symbols representing their physical features (e.g., triangles for mountains, blue lines for rivers). - Circulate to provide help and ensure understanding. **Closing (5 minutes):** 5. **Review and Recap**: - Invite a few students to share their maps with the class. - Reinforce the importance of knowing physical features and being able to read and create maps. - Ask the students questions to check understanding: "Why is a compass rose important?" or "What symbol did you use for rivers in your key?" **Assessment:** - Evaluate students' maps for inclusion of required elements: three physical features, a compass rose, and a key with symbols. - Informally assess understanding through class participation and answers during the recap. **Extensions/Homework:** - Assign students to create a map of their neighborhood, including at least three physical features and utilizing a key and compass rose. - Encourage students to explore an interactive world map online and identify various physical features they learned about in class. By the end of the lesson, students should have a foundational understanding of physical geography and basic map skills, which are essential components of social studies education.