Lesson Six Six-figure Grid References

Locate the school using an online map How can we pinpoint places on an Ordnance Survey map? How could you describe to a friend where to find the school on an Ordnance Survey map?

Grid references Watch the RGS-IBG subject knowledge animation to learn more about grid references Start at 5:10.

Read the Easting (94) Imagine the square is divided into ten, count how many tenths up from the Easting (3). Now read the Northing (36). Count how many tenths up from the Northing (8). This will give you six digits. Six-figure grid references

How do you read six- figure grid references? What is the six-figure grid reference for the red square and the blue square?

How do you read six- figure grid references?

Six-figure grid reference on in Greater London An example of a six-figure grid reference. The letters refer to the National Grid. This pinpoints an exact location in Great Britain to within 100m.

If the map scale is 1:25,000, this means that every 1 cm on the map represents 25,000 cm or 0.25km on land. In other words, 4cm = 1km on a map with a scale of 1:25,000. Scale on maps

Measuring distances using a map If the distance is straight or ‘as the crow flies’ we can use a ruler to calculate the map distance in cm. We can use a piece of string to measure the distances when they are not straight, such as along a road or river. We then convert from cm to km by dividing by four for a 1:25,000 map E.g. a distance of 8cm on the map would be 2km on land.

Use your knowledge of six-figure grid references and scale to solve the clues. The first team to find the treasure are the winners! Main activity: Treasure Hunt

Plenary How did you find the treasure hunt? Did you all get the same answers? Now do the end of unit assessment to test out your map skills!