### Lesson Plan: Maps and Globes
**Grade Level:** 1st Grade
**Subject:** Social Studies
**Duration:** 30-45 minutes
**Topic:** Maps and Globes
#### **Objectives:**
- Students will understand the basic concepts of maps and globes.
- Students will identify the differences between a map and a globe.
- Students will recognize the basic elements of maps, such as land, water, and symbols.
#### **Materials:**
- World globe
- World map (large poster/map or big book)
- Blank paper
- Crayons/markers
- Writing pencils
- Interactive whiteboard or projector (optional)
- Examples of simple maps (e.g., map of the school or classroom)
- Storybook about maps or globes (optional)
#### **Standards:**
- Common Core Standard for Social Studies: Understanding the world in spatial terms.
#### **Introduction (5-10 minutes):**
1. **Attention Getter:** Show a globe to the class. Ask students if they know what it is and have a brief discussion about it.
2. **Lesson Introduction:** Explain that today we will be learning about maps and globes. Discuss how maps and globes help us understand where things are in the world.
#### **Instructional Input (10 minutes):**
1. **Globe Discussion:**
- Show the class the globe.
- Point out major features like land (continents/countries) and water (oceans, seas).
- Spin the globe to show that it represents the entire Earth.
2. **Map Discussion:**
- Show the class a flat map of the world.
- Explain that maps are flat drawings that show where places are.
- Compare the flat map with the globe to illustrate the same places.
3. **Map vs. Globe:**
- Highlight differences: a globe is round, a map is flat.
- Discuss when we might use a globe versus a map.
#### **Interactive Activity (10-15 minutes):**
1. **Hands-On Comparison:**
- Have students come up and point to various parts of the globe and the map.
- Use symbols to represent things on a map (e.g., a star for your school, a blue area for lakes/rivers).
2. **Simple Map Creation:**
- Give each student blank paper and crayons/markers.
- Ask them to draw a simple map of their classroom, school, or bedroom.
- Encourage them to use symbols to represent key items (desks, doors, windows, etc.).
#### **Guided Practice (5-10 minutes):**
1. **Group Activity:**
- Divide students into small groups.
- Give each group a simple, pre-drawn map (e.g., a map of the school playground).
- Ask each group to identify and color areas (playground, classrooms, cafeteria, etc.).
#### **Closure (5 minutes):**
1. **Review and Share:**
- Invite students to share their drawings/maps with the class.
- Ask questions to reinforce concepts (e.g., “Can someone point out where the playground is on this map?”).
2. **Reflect:**
- Ask students what they learned about maps and globes.
- Discuss when they might use a map or a globe in real life.
#### **Assessment:**
- Informal assessment through observation during activities.
- Review students' drawings/maps to check their understanding of basic map elements.
#### **Extension:**
- Read a storybook related to maps and globes, such as "Me on the Map" by Joan Sweeney.
- Use technology to explore an interactive map or globe app on the whiteboard.
**Note:** Modify the activities to better fit the needs and abilities of your students.