1. Map Skills Do you know your maps and how we use them?
Mrs. Jones’ 7th Grade Social Studies Class
Map Skills
Do you know your maps and how we use them?
Do you know your continents?
Do you know your oceans?
Do you know the major latitude & longitude lines?

2. World Map Activity

3. Mrs. Jones’ 7th Grade Social Studies Class
Directions- World Map
Use your reference atlas in the front pages of your textbook to complete this activity.
Label the following continents:
1. North America 2. South America
3. Europe 4.Asia
5. Australia 6.Africa
7. Antarctica
Label the following oceans:
1. Atlantic 2.Pacific
3. Indian 4. Arctic
Color the Equator YELLOW
Color and label the Prime Meridian RED (0 degrees longitude)
Color the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn BLUE
Color and label the International Dateline GREEN (180 degrees longitude)

4. World Map Activity

5. Map Skill Terms TB pages 4-10 Use the TB to define the terms
Map Skill Terms TB pages 4-10 Use the TB to define the terms. … Attach on NB p.15
Latitude –
Longitude –
Absolute Location –
Relative Location – already given to you.
GPS (global positioning system) –
Map Key
Scale Bar
Compass Rose
Cardinal Directions
Physical Map
Political Map
Special Purpose Map

6. Map Skill Terms TB pages 4-10
Latitude – location north or south of the Equator, measured by imaginary lines (parallels) that are numbered in degrees north or south.
Longitude – location east or west of the Prime Meridian, measured by imaginary lines (meridians) numbered in degrees east or west.

7. Map Terms
3. Absolute Location – the exact position of a place on the earth’s surface. It is located by using the coordinates of latitude and longitude (ex. 20N,20E) 4. Relative Location – locates a place on the earth by its relationship to another place or location. Example: Alabama is west of Georgia. … or … From Alabama, Georgia is east. 5. GPS (global positioning system) – group of satellites that travel around the earth which can be used to tell exact locations on the earth.

8. Parts of Maps
6. Map Key – an element on a map that explains its lines, symbols, and colors. 7. Scale bar – a measuring line that helps you figure distance on a map. 8. Compass Rose – a map symbol that tells you where the cardinal directions are positioned. 9. Cardinal Directions – the exact direction north, south, east, and west.

9. Types of Maps
10. Physical Map – This type of maps points out landforms and water features. It also may use colors to show elevation. 11. Political Map – This type of map shows the names and boundaries of countries, cities, and other human made features. It may include major physical features as well.

10. Special Purpose Maps
12. Special Purpose Maps – Maps that give specific kinds of information. They show topics like climate, natural resources, or population density.

11. Make the Connection NB p. 14 – Top Half of Page:
Using your Map Terms and their definitions, chose 5 terms and draw an illustration/picture to show that you know what the words mean.
Bottom Half of Page:
Write a couple of sentences explaining the importance of maps. 14
Illustrate Terms (5)
Why is it important to be able to use a map?
How do we use them in our daily lives?

12. ABSOLUTE LOCATION Make the connection… Images of Latitude & Longitude
Absolute Location Notes
AND
How Many Degrees WS
Latitude & Longitude
(Turn in for a grade then paste in after Mrs. Jones returns it.) 17
Make the connection…
Images of
Latitude & Longitude 16
Sum it up!
Students explain in their own words the steps they would take in finding an absolute location. (Ex. 20N,40E)

13. How do we find our absolute location?
Step 1:
To find a latitude line such as 60 degrees north latitude, you must do three things: 1. Go to your starting line (the Equator). 2. Determine which direction you must go (north or south). 3. Determine the distance in degrees you must go (60). 

14. How do we find our absolute location?
Step 2:
To find a longitude line such as 40 degrees east longitude, you must do three things: 1. Go to your starting line (the Prime Meridian). 2. Determine which direction you must go (east or west). 3. Determine the distance in degrees you must go (40). 

15. How do we find our absolute location?
Step 3: Find where the line of latitude and the line of longitude intersect. E W S

16. Practice
1.Approximate location. 20S,20E = F, 20S,100E=A, 20N,40E = H, 60S,40W = D, 10S,40W=J, 0,140=C, 40N,100W=G, 80N,0=B, 40N,60E=E, 50N,120E=I
Select which letter most closely matches the correct latitude and longitude coordinates on the map above.

17. “Relative Location Map”
Make The Connection
“Relative Location Map” 19 18
Directions: Use your map on NB p.19.
Use a minimum of 3 directional changes to explain how to get from (choose 4 locations) to City Park. 1. 2. 3. 4.
Use colored pencils to illustrate this on your map.

18. Review Pair/Share - What is the difference between:
Physical and Political maps
Map Key and Map Scale
Cardinal Directions and Compass Rose
Absolute and Relative Location
Latitude and Longitude
Equator and Prime Meridian
Or Category Game …

19. Map Skill Test Test Reflection I did really well at …21 20
Test Reflection
I did really well at …
I had difficulty with …
Why did you succeed at …?
Why was _____ difficult?
My plan to do better at ____ is …