Social Studies

Conceptual
Lesson Plan
Target Grade
Level:____Seco
nd
Grade_________
_
Date: NC Essential Standard(s): 2.G.1.2 Interpret the meaning of Material/Technology Needed: Paper, crayons,
symbols and the location of physical pencils, doc cam, pictures with physical and
and human features on a map (cities,
railroads, highways, countries, human characteristics
continents, oceans, etc.)

Homework (if applicable): None

Prior Leaning Necessary: Students should be familiar with Student I Can Statement(s): I can determine what
Pace:
maps, and what all goes on a map. (Compass rose, legend, physical and what human features are on a map.
map scale) Students should also be familiar with physical
and human characteristics. Since this is more of a review

Start: Generalization(s): Geography Essential or Compelling Question:

Whats the difference between physical and human
features on a map?

Why are maps important?

Social Studies Len(s): Geography Bloom Level Verb Target: Describe, Label, Design

Lesson Procedure:
End:

Students will be reviewing maps and features that go on a map. They will look at
pictures with physical and human characteristics and name which are which.
They will be reviewing what all goes on a map and why maps are important.
Lastly, the students will be creating their own map. Their map most have
physical and human features, a compass, and a legend.
Class Activity/Tasks

Guided Practice:

Students will gather around on the carpet for a mini lesson on maps. The teacher will ask them to use
their prior knowledge and schema and remember what theyve already learned about maps in the
previous lessons.
When I clap two times and say teach, I want you to talk with you reading partner about human and
physical features on a map. What are they? (clap, clap) Teach
After the students are done talking with their partner, Have them come back to together by saying
class, they will immediately answer with yes. Now that the students are paying attention, go over
what they talked about with their partners.
What are physical features on a map, and what are human features? How are they different?
Explain to the students that human features are man made features, and physical features have been
here since existence!
After you go over what physical and human features are. Show them a picture that has both physical
and human features. Point out objects and have the students talk about whether they are human or
physical features.
Is this a map? Why or why not? Guide the discussion that pushes the kids to remember what theyve
already learned about maps. After they have discussed with their reading partners have them come
back together. Explain to the students that it isnt a map, and then ask them why. Students should give
answers like, Its not a map because it doesn't have a compass rose! or Its not a map because it
doesnt have a legend!
Review the characteristics of a map and then get them ready for their next activity.

Independent Practice:

Explain to the students that they will be creating their own map. Today I want you to create a map! You
can draw a map of your neighborhood, your park/playground, or the beach. Explain that their maps
must have physical and human characteristics. They also must include a compass rose and a legend. This
is a fun activity because you have a chance to see inside their lives a little, where they live, or what park
they play on.
As the students are working on their maps, walk around the room and assess the students knowledge on
maps. Ask them,What are some physical features on your map? What are some human features? How
do you know this?Give the students a check if they can give you an explanation of physical and human
features on their map.
If the students finish early, have them flip the page over and draw another map from the three
selections.

Summary/Closure:

When they are all finished with their maps, have them come back on the carpet for a debrief. When I saw teach I want you to
talk with your partners about what you learned today. What are physical features? What are human features? What all goes on a
map? (clap, clap) Teach

Go over once more about what the students learned today to make sure they fully understand the material.

Now I want you to talk to your partners about why maps are important. What can they be used for?

Explain to the students that maps are important for multiple reasons, Maps show you where you are going, they show you how to
get there, and they show you where things are. Maps are very beneficial and its important that we know how to use them.

What skill(s) or content does this lesson develop? How will learning be connected to later lessons?

This teaches the students how to use a map, and what some features are that are on a map. They will also learn about
physical and human feautres and what they look like.