Social Studies: Reading a Map: Keys, Compass, Scale

Look at the map key. A star means school. What does the star show on the map?

Look at the compass rose. Which direction points up?

On a map, a tree symbol means park. If you see a tree symbol, what place is there?

Mia is at the school. The library is north of the school. Should Mia go up or down on the map to get to the library?

The map key says a blue square means pond. Circle the place with a blue square. What place did you circle?

Sam is at home. The store is east of home. Which way should Sam move on the map?

The scale says 1 step on the map equals 1 block. The park is 3 map steps from the school. How many blocks away is the park?

A map key shows a book symbol for library. Draw or write what the book symbol stands for.

Look at a map where the playground is south of the school. Is the playground above or below the school on the map?

The map key says a red cross means hospital. What does a red cross on the map show?

Lena walks from the park to the school. The school is west of the park. Which way does Lena go on the map?

The scale says 1 finger space equals 1 street. The store is 2 finger spaces from home. How many streets away is the store?

Why is a map key helpful?

Look at the compass rose. What letter stands for east?

A friend wants to find the park on a map. The key says the park is shown with a green tree. What should your friend look for?