U.S. Maps
Introduction Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion

Introduction:

After studying maps in school, you were excited about your chance to experience all of the wondrous landforms during summer break.  You were all packed up and ready to explore the United States when you suddenly realized that your dog ate all of your maps!  How are you going to find your way?

 

 
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Task:

You will research various maps to learn where major landforms are located.  You will then create a map showing the required components.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
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Process:

1.  First your class will study maps and learn how to read them.

2.  Next, your teacher will teach you how to use Microsoft Paint.

3.  Next, you will view various maps of the United States and take notes on where the major mountain ranges, bodies of water, and boundaries are located.

4.  Then you will create a map using Microsoft Paint to draw and label the various landforms on your map.

5.  Finally, we will share our maps with our family and friends!

 

 

 

 

 
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Resources:

Rivers Map

http://worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/namerica/usstates/artwork/rivers/uslayout.htm

Mountains Map

http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/nalnd.htm

Bodies of Water

http://worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/namerica/namera.htm

State Borders

http://worldatlas.com/webimage/testmaps/usanames.htm

 

Labels:
Right Click on each label and select "Copy," then go to your map in Paint and select "Edit" and "Paste."


                                    

                      

 

Instructions for Making Your Map:

1.  Click where it says map.
2.  Right Click on the map and select "Save Picture As."
3.  Be sure to save the file in your folder.  Give it a name like, "Mr. H.'s Map." (but use your own name!)
4.  Now go into the Home  folder and open your folder.  You should see a file that looks like this:
                                                                                            
5.  Right Click on this file and select "Open With."  Then choose "Paint."
6.  Now you can add all of the landforms that you found when you did the research from your book and internet sites by using the paintbrush tool.  
7.  Please remember that if you make a mistake, use "Edit" and "Undo."
8.  Once you have drawn all of the landforms on your map, you can begin to add the labels.
9.  To do this click here and then right click on each of the labels and select "Copy."  Now go to your map and select "Edit" and "Paste."
10.  Finally, add a title to your map by using a text box.
                                                                                                           

 
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Evaluation:  

Make sure to draw and label these things on your map.  Use the labels to help you.

Mountains

Bodies of Water

Rivers

Boundaries

1.      Cascade Mountains

2.      Rocky Mountain Range

3.      Appalachian Mountain Range

4.      Coastal Mountains

5.      Sierra Nevada Mountains

1.    Atlantic Ocean

2.    Pacific Ocean

3.    Gulf of Mexico

4.    Great Lakes

1.  Missouri River

2.  Mississippi River

3.  Colorado River

4.  Rio Grande River

1.      South Dakota border

2.      United States border

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Map Legend/Key

Legend is easy-to-find and contains a complete set of symbols, including a compass rose.

Legend contains a complete set of symbols, including a compass rose.

Legend contains an almost complete set of symbols, including a compass rose.

Legend is absent or lacks several symbols.

Color Choices

Student always uses color appropriate for features (e.g. blue for water; black for labels, etc.) on map.

Student usually uses color appropriate for features (e.g. blue for water; black for labels, etc.).

Student sometimes uses color appropriate for features (e.g. blue for water; black for labels, etc.).

Student does not use color appropriately.

Labels - Accuracy

At least 90% of the items are labeled and located correctly.

80-89% of the items are labeled and located correctly.

79-70% of the items are labeled and located correctly.

Less than 70% of the items are labeled and located correctly.

Neatness

90-100% of the labels/features can be read easily.

89-80% of the labels/features can be read easily.

79-70% of the labels/features can be read easily.

Less than 70% of the labels/features can be read easily.

Knowledge Gained as Demonstrated when shown a blank base map:

The student can rapidly and accurately label at least 10 features.

The student can rapidly and accurately label 8-9 features.

The student can rapidly and accurately label 6-7 features.

The student can rapidly and accurately label fewer than 6 features.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Conclusion:

You did it!  Congratulations.  Now you just have to decide where to go first!

 
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Wade Helleson
Created:  03/2006
Updated:  03/23/2006
Send comments to:
Wade.Helleson@k12.sd.us