Topic title: Mapping Mayhem
Year group: 7
When taught: October to December
What are we learning?
- Use compass points for direction
- Identify map symbols using a key
- Interpret scales and distances on maps
- Use 4 and 6 figure grid references accurately
- Understand the 3 main ways of showing height
- Latitude and longitude
Why is this important to know?
- Map skills underpins all the units in Geography and these skills are developed throughout the key stages so that students become more confident, fluent and quicker in using them independently.
- OS maps of the local area are primarily used increasing locational knowledge.
- An awareness of places’ features i.e. latitudes begin to help students learn why places may be like they are e.g. beginning to identify places with lower latitudes (nearer the Equator) tend to be hotter than places with higher latitudes and how this influences physical and human processes.
Where does this link into our past and future learning?
- Prior learning at KS2 is recalled and deepened on grid references, longitude and latitude and map making.
- This links to recent learning on Our Island Home by using OS maps to identify features in the local area.
- In a later unit in Year 7, students will design their own sustainable settlement which should incorporate some of the map skills learnt from this unit.
- Throughout KS3 and beyond, students will be required to locate places using latitude and longitude. In the Year 7 unit on Tropical Rainforests, the importance of latitude in determining the distribution and structure of the biome will be explored. Similarly in the Year 8 unit on Antarctica.
- In Year 9 there is a 1 hour geographical skills lesson per fortnight. Mapskills forms an essential part of this.
How will we be assessed on this topic?
- The Year 7 exam will be a decision making paper which will require map skills to be used in interpreting the resources, to help decide whether a quarry should be built in the Peak District.
What makes a strong piece of work in this topic? What are teachers hoping to see?
- Use of the 8 point compass directions rather than ‘left’, right’, ‘at the top’.
- Accurate use of 6 figure grid references to identify a precise point.
- Use of a scale to accurately measure distance on a map.
- An understanding of how to read and interpret contours i.e. height and shape of the land.
- Latitude and longitude co-ordinates are written accurately and students are confident in describing which way each line is as well as identifying major lines of latitude.
What key words are there in this topic?
Quizlet: Click here
What can I try if I want to stretch and challenge myself on this topic?
- Look at the Ordnance Survey mapzone website and complete the activities: Ordnance Survey
- Read the OS map skills guide on BBC bitesize and complete the test:
What wider reading can be done on this topic?
Using maps: maps and mapping skills by J Gillet and M Gillet
Supporting document/links:
