Brief Description

Prior to this lesson, students will have been learning about maps and map reading skills.  In this lesson, students will be creating a map of their community for someone who is visiting from out of town.  This lesson will take 2 forty-five minute lessons.

Standards and Frameworks

Technology Standards

• 6T-F1. Use technology resources for problem solving, self-directed learning and extended learning activities.

• 3SS-F1. Construct and interpret maps and other geographic tools, including the use of map elements to organize information about people, places, and environments.

Academic

• Using Microsoft Word, the student will create a map with a title, compass rose, at least 1 road, and at least 2 landmarks.

• Using Microsoft Word, the student will create a map showing part of their community by inserting at least 2 clip art graphics.
• Using Microsoft Word, the student will create a map drawing at least one road.
• Using Microsoft Word, the student will create a map labeling all objects using textboxes.

• Be able to use a mouse.
• Be able to use Microsoft Word.
• Be able to insert a graphic.
• Be able to use the drawing tools in Word.

Checklist for assessment

Accommodations for Special Needs

SEI (Sheltered English Immersion) and learning disabilities:  These students will be paired with a student buddy who is a strong reader and comfortable with peer tutoring.   The buddy will sit next to the student to help with any questions. These students will be able draw out their map prior to working on the computer. It will be checked by the teacher before they begin working.

ADHD/ADD:  For these students, the task will be broken down into smaller pieces.  They will be given a checklist to use to complete each step.

Gifted Students:  These students will be able to include a larger area and/or more objects on their map.

Procedures

Day 1
In the regular classroom, tell the students they will be creating a map for someone who will be visiting them from out of town. The teacher and students will determine the items to be included on the map.

• The students will break into groups to discuss the important items to include on the map (ie: title, compass rose, landmarks, roads, etc).  Allow approximately 5-7 minutes for this.
• Come together as a class and allow each group to share their information.  Be sure to define all expectations before you go to the lab.

• Open Word.  Following some helpful hints, create a map as a class before the students begin working.
• The map will be easier to create if you change the layout to Landscape.  Go to File, Page Setup, Paper size, Landscape.
• Have students draw a compass rose.  Make sure the drawing toolbar is open on the bottom of the screen.  Choose the textbox tool.  Draw a 1inch box at the top of the page.  In the box draw a compass rose using the line drawing tool.  Hold down Shift to make a straight line.  Label each point on the compass rose with N, S, W, and E.
• Have students create a textbox and put their title in.  Show them how to change the font style, size, and color by highlighting the text and going to Format, Font.
• Using the line drawing tool and holding down Shift, draw the roads.  They must have at least 1 road.
• Show students how to save their map.  Choose File, Save As.
• Have students work guiding them through each step.  You may want to give students an instruction guide for each step, along with the assessment checklist.  See example below.

• Open Word.
• Go to File and choose Open.  Select the file that corresponds to their map.
• Students are now going to insert the clipart that will be used on their map.
• To insert a clipart, go to Insert, Picture, Clipart.  Use the clipart to show buildings, plants, etc.  Show students how to search through the clipart by typing in a keyword for what they are looking for. You may want to make a list of objects they will probably look for, so that they have correct spellings for the searches.
• To move the clipart anywhere on the screen, double click on the picture.  Choose the Layout tab and choose In Front of Text. Using the handles on the picture, resize it so that it fits in the space.
• Have students create a textbox label for each object.

Each map will be checked for the following items:

___/5 At least 1 road

___ /10 At least 2 landmarks

___/10 Each object is labeled

___/5 Included a labeled compass rose

___/5 Included a title
 

___/ 35  Total points