Grade 4 · Social Studies · Lesson 13

Map Skills and Compass Directions

Maps are tools that help us understand the world. To use a map correctly, you need to know how to read directions, symbols, and the scale. Every well-made map has a compass rose, a legend (key), and a scale to help you understand what you are looking at.

What this lesson teaches

1Identify the eight compass directions and explain what they show
2Distinguish between cardinal and intercardinal directions
3Read and use a map key to interpret map symbols
4Explain what a map scale is and why it is used

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