Geography

Grade 1

 

Overarching Question: Why do we need maps and globes?

 

Essential Questions:

 

¨       How are land, water, cities, and roads shown on a map?

¨       What are cardinal directions?

¨       Where is the United States located on a globe or a world map?

¨       Where is Massachusetts located on a United States map?

¨       Where are the capital cities of Washington D.C. and Boston, MA located on a United States map?

¨        Why do the seasons change in Massachusetts?

 

Enduring Understandings

 

MA History/ Social  Studies Curriculum

Framework (2003)

Assessments

Learning Experiences

A map is a representation of physical space.

 

Symbols and cardinal directions are used to determine where objects and places are located on maps and globes.

 

The United States and Massachusetts can be identified by their physical shapes on maps and globes.

 

The locations of the capital cities of Washington D.C. and Boston are identified on maps by specific symbols

 

The seasons change in the Northern Hemisphere.

 

 

 

Learning Standards:

 

Describe a map as a representation of a space, such as the classroom, the school, the neighborhood, town, city, state, country, or world.

 

Identify cardinal directions (north, east, south, west) and apply them to maps, locations in the classroom, school playground, and community.

 

Define and locate the North and South Poles and the equator.

 

Define and give examples of a continent, mountain, river, lake, and ocean.

 

On a map of the United States, locate Washington D.C. and identify it as the capital of the United States of America.

 

Locate Boston and identify it as the capital of Massachusetts.

 

Give reasons for noting the days that mark the changes in seasons.

 

 

 

Sample Learning Experiences/ Assessments

 

Use map symbols locations, directions, etc to problem solve

 

Determine direction and route from point A to point B with a classroom map, school yard map, map of the U.S.A. or hypothetical map (ie treasure map)

 

Identify the four seasons in Massachusetts through physical evidence/clues eg. changes in trees, animal behavior, clothing worn  Compare the  above in the north and south.

 

Pre and post test draw a map of the world, your town, your school.