Mapping the Garden
Grade Level(s): 1-2
By: Gretchen, 2nd grade teacher

The learner will understand the legend, the key, the symbols and the area on a map by viewing several maps and discussing the mentioned features of the maps. The learner will then draw their own map of the garden the class will be planting in a future lesson.

Objectives:

The learner will understand the legend, the key, the symbols and the area on a map by viewing several maps and discussing the mentioned features of the maps. The learner will then draw their own map of the garden the class will be planting in a future lesson.

Materials:

• 4 maps to be used as samples
• 25 blank maps for constructing their own maps
• 25 pencils
• 25 packs of crayons

Plan:

1. Start a discussion about maps with the students.
2. Generate feedback from the students by asking them questions such as:
   • What is a map?
   • Have you ever used a map?
   • Why are maps important?
   • Is it important to know how to read a map and why?
3. Discuss the questions and lead into why maps are important and why the components of a map are important.
4. Then, display four examples of maps and point out the legend, key, symbols and area on each map. Discuss what each component is used for on a map and why.
5. Ask the students, as a large group, to identify each component discussed on the samples maps.
6. Explain that the class will be planting a garden in a future lesson and will need to map out the plants that they will be planting. Tell the students that by making a map of the garden everyone will know where to plant the plants and have a neat organized garden. The map will also be important after the plants have been planted to tell which plant has been planted where.
7. Tell the students that they will be planting four of each of these types of plants: peppers, tomatoes, carrots and lettuce.
8. Then, distribute a blank map to the students that will have a box for the legend, key, and symbols. The area of the map will have a square, two rectangles, a circle and a triangle.
9. Draw the same map on the board and ask the students what they would like to plant in each of the shapes and come to an agreement of the arrangement.
10. Ask the students what symbol they would like to use to represent each vegetable that will be planted. Then, plot out the arrangement on the map on the board. Complete the legend and key portion on the map as well.
11. Instruct the students to copy the model map on the board to their blank map. The students will use crayons to draw the symbols in the legend, key and area.

Comments:

As closure review components and their importance. Also review the map the class constructed. Ask the students if they have any questions about the lesson.