Learning Activity

What Can Be Found on a Physical Map of Alabama?

Subject Area

Social Studies

Grade(s)

Overview

After an extensive study of physical maps, the students will locate and create physical and political features on a map of Alabama. The Digital Tool will be used to research and aid in the creation of the features found in Alabama.

This activity results from the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

Content Standards

Social Studies (2010) Grade(s): 2

SS10.2.5
Differentiate between a physical map and a political map.

Unpacked Content

Vocabulary

differentiate
geographical features
physical map
political map
geography
latitude
longitude
border

Knowledge

Students know:

The difference between political and physical maps and the information that can be gained from each.

Skills

Students are able to:

Select the most appropriate map type to gather needed information.

Understanding

Students understand that:

There are differences between a physical map and a political map and the appropriate uses of each.

Interdisciplinary Connections

Phase

After/Explain/Elaborate

Learning Objectives

The student will be able to locate features that can be found on a physical map such as rivers, lakes, and mountains.

The student will be able to locate features that can be found on a political map such as county of residence and the state capital.

Activity Details

1. The students will brainstorm the features that can be found on physical and political maps in general and write on chart paper.

2. Groups will use a digital device to search for (1) physical features of Alabama (2) political features of Alabama using the following link: https://www.ducksters.com/geography/state.php?State=Alabama.

3. The students will be given two blank State of Alabama maps. They will be labeled Map 1-Physical Map and Map 2- Political Map.

4. For the physical map, students will locate at least 2 rivers, 1 lake, and 1 mountain. Once located, students will label these on a Map 1.

5. For the political map students will locate the capital and the county they reside in and label on Map 2.

4. Next, students will use salt dough to create the same landforms labeled on Map 1 and place on their cardboard shaped state. Students should be encouraged to be creative using colors to signify certain landforms.

5. The students will only color Map 2 and write or make pinpoints that signify their county and state capital.

5. Groups will share with the class the features they found and where they are located. Emphasize that the students MUST use the vocabulary, physical map, and political map to differentiate between the two.

Assessment Strategies

Evaluation can include the participation in the group research, creativity of the maps and presentation including differentiating between the political map and the physical map. The teacher should check to be sure each student is able to identify the features that distinguish a physical map from a political map.

Acceleration and Intervention

Variation Tips

The teacher may want to pull up the link on the interactive whiteboard as a whole group and review the landforms before breaking into group work.

Background and Preparation

Background / Preparation

digital device
Internet access
Colored salt dough already divided among the groups
Cardboard shaped like your state
Chart paper
Big map of your state with physical features
2 paper maps of your state for each student
Pencil and markers
Interactive whiteboard with link pulled up
Prearranged groups

Digital Tools / Resources

Ducksters.com

https://www.ducksters.com/geography/state.php?State=Alabama

Approved Date

2019-06-12

Author

Owner (Author)

jdeese12

Design by Adaptive Theme

Learning Resource Type