Kindergarten · Social Studies
Quarter 1 · Week 9 · TEKS
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This kindergarten social studies lesson introduces students to geographic tools such as maps and globes. Students will learn how these tools help us find and understand locations in the world around us. The lesson includes hands-on activities to explore maps and globes, discussions to connect geographic tools to everyday life, and opportunities to practice identifying locations using these tools.
Students should have a basic understanding of their immediate environment, such as recognizing their home, classroom, or neighborhood, and be familiar with the concept of location as 'where something is.'
Geographic tools are objects that help us learn about places and where they are located. Two important geographic tools are maps and globes. A map is a flat picture that shows places and features of the Earth. A globe is a round model of the Earth that shows how the Earth looks from space.
Maps use symbols and colors to show different places like countries, cities, rivers, and mountains. Because maps are flat, they can show a lot of information in one view. Maps help us find where we live, where other places are, and how to get from one place to another.
A globe is a small model of the Earth shaped like a ball. It shows the Earth as it really is, round and spinning. Globes help us see how the Earth looks from space and understand the size and shape of continents and oceans. Unlike maps, globes show the Earth without stretching or cutting parts.
When we want to know where a place is, we can look at a map or globe. For example, if we want to find our school, we can look on a map to see its location. On a globe, we can find the continent or country where we live. These tools help us understand where things are in the world and how places relate to each other.
Students can relate maps and globes to their own experiences by finding their home, school, or favorite places on these tools. This helps them understand that maps and globes are useful for everyday life, not just for learning in school.
Look at this simple map of a neighborhood. Can you find the school and the park?
The school and park are labeled on the map. Students can find the school by looking for the building symbol or label, and the park by finding the green area or label. This shows how maps help us find places we know.
The school is here (point to the school on the map), and the park is here (point to the park).
On the globe, find the continent where we live. Can you point to it?
Students locate the continent by recognizing its shape or position on the globe. This helps them understand how globes show the Earth’s surface and where places are located.
We live on this continent (point to the correct continent on the globe).
Show students a globe and a large map. Ask if they have seen these before and what they think they are used for.
Students share their experiences with maps or globes, such as seeing one in a book or at home.
This phase introduces students to the tools they will learn about and connects to their prior knowledge.
Guide students to look closely at the globe and map. Point out continents, oceans, and familiar places like their country or state.
Students handle the globe and maps, pointing to places they recognize or are interested in.
Students explore the geographic tools by observing and interacting with them to build familiarity.
Explain that maps and globes help us find locations. Describe how maps are flat pictures and globes are round models of the Earth.
Students listen and ask questions about how maps and globes show locations.
This phase clarifies the purpose and differences of maps and globes as geographic tools.
Have students use simple maps to find and mark locations such as their home, school, or a park. Use the globe to find continents or oceans related to these places.
Students practice finding and marking locations on maps and pointing to places on the globe.
Students apply their knowledge by using geographic tools to identify locations relevant to them.
Ask students to explain what a map and a globe are and how they help us find places. Use a simple exit ticket where students draw a map or globe and label a place.
Students explain the use of maps and globes and complete the exit ticket drawing.
This phase assesses student understanding of geographic tools and their ability to use them to determine location.
Students handle the globe and maps, pointing to places they recognize or are interested in.
What is a globe?
A globe is a round model of the Earth that shows where places are.
Name two geographic tools that help us find locations.
Maps and globes.
How is a globe different from a map?
A globe is round and shows the Earth as a ball, while a map is flat and shows places on a flat surface.
Why are maps and globes important?
They help us see where places are and find our way around the world.
Use large, colorful maps and globes for better visibility. Provide one-on-one guidance during map and globe activities. Use simple language and repeat key vocabulary.
Use pictures and gestures to explain new words like 'map' and 'globe'. Show real objects (globe, map) to connect words to visuals. Encourage students to repeat key phrases and vocabulary.
Have students compare different types of maps (e.g., city map vs. world map). Introduce basic map symbols and legends. Encourage students to explain how maps and globes help people in different jobs.
Encourage families to look at maps or globes at home or in books and talk about places they have visited or want to visit.
Students learned that maps and globes are important geographic tools that help us find and understand locations. Maps are flat pictures showing places, while globes are round models of the Earth. Using these tools, students practiced finding familiar places and explained how maps and globes help us know where things are in the world.
Use the exact standards alignment and retrieved-source provenance stored with this enrichment.