Lesson 1 of 4 · Grade 4 Social Studies
Maps and directions
15 min
A map is a drawing of a place as seen from above.
The compass
The four main (cardinal) directions are North, East, South and West. A simple way to remember: Never Eat Soggy Weetabix.
The sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
Elements of a map
- Title: tells what the map is about.
- Key: explains the symbols used on the map.
- Compass: shows directions.
- Frame: the border around the map.
- Scale: shows how distance on the map compares to real distance.
Map symbols
Symbols are signs that stand for real things: a cross for a church, a flag for a school, a blue line for a river, a small square for a building.
Key points to remember
- Cardinal directions: North, East, South, West
- The sun rises in the east
- A map key explains symbols
- Title, key, compass, frame and scale are map elements
Test yourself
