🌍 Social StudiesGrade 5Lesson 1
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Maps: Scales and Coordinates

How to use: Download the PDF to print the worksheet. Then use this page to repeat activities and check answers.

Learning Objectives

  • 1Use a map scale to estimate real distances between two places
  • 2Locate features on a coordinate grid using column letters and row numbers
  • 3Identify common map symbols by reading the map key
  • 4Describe the difference between large-scale and small-scale maps
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Mini Lesson

Maps shrink the real world onto a flat page. Two tools tell you exactly where something is and how big it really is: the map scale tells you how distance on paper compares to distance on Earth, and the coordinate grid lets you name any spot using a letter and a number.

Map Scale

  • A scale shows how a small distance on the map matches a much bigger distance in the real world.
  • Bar scales draw a small ruler labelled in kilometres or miles. You measure on the page, then read the matching real distance off the bar.
  • Ratio scales look like 1:100,000 — meaning every 1 unit on the map equals 100,000 of the same units in real life.
  • Word scales say it plainly: "1 cm equals 5 km" or "1 inch equals 2 miles".
  • A large-scale map shows a small area in great detail (one neighbourhood). A small-scale map shows a huge area with less detail (a whole continent).

Coordinate Grids

  • A coordinate grid is a network of squares laid over a map.
  • Columns are labelled with letters (A, B, C, ...) across the top.
  • Rows are labelled with numbers (1, 2, 3, ...) down the side.
  • A coordinate names the column letter first, then the row number — for example C3 means column C, row 3.
  • On a printed road atlas, the index says "Riverdale C3" and the grid square is where you look.

Map Keys and Symbols

  • The map key (also called the legend) lists every symbol used on the map and explains what each one means.
  • A small triangle often stands for a mountain, wavy lines stand for water, and a tiny tree stands for a forest.
  • Different colours can also be symbols — green for parks, blue for rivers and lakes, brown for high land.
  • Always read the map key first so you know what every shape and colour represents.
Coordinate grid mapMap of Riverdale TownABCDE12345ParkSchoolLakeHospitalPark = A2 - School = C3 - Lake = E4 - Hospital = B5
Map scale and keyMap Scale and Map KeyBar Scale051015 kmWord Scale1 cm = 5 kmRatio 1:500,000Map KeyMountainForestRoadRiverBuildingLakeAlways read the keybefore reading the map.Scale tells distance. The key tells what each symbol means.
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Tip: read coordinates as "letter, then number" — column first, then row. C3 is the cell where column C and row 3 cross.

Vocabulary
scale
A tool on a map that compares map distance to real-world distance, shown as a bar, ratio, or words.
coordinate
A pair like C3 that names a column letter and row number to locate a square on a grid map.
grid
A network of equal squares laid over a map so every place can be named with a coordinate.
map key
A small box on a map that lists every symbol or colour used and explains what each one means. Also called the legend.
symbol
A small picture, shape, or colour that stands for a real feature on the map, such as a mountain or river.
large-scale map
A map that shows a small area in great detail, such as a single neighbourhood or town.
small-scale map
A map that shows a very large area with less detail, such as a country or continent.
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Guided Practice

Write 2-3 sentences explaining what you have learned. Use at least 5 of the vocabulary words below.
scalecoordinategridmap keylegendsymbolcompassdistance
📝 Words: 0 / 30🔤 Vocabulary used: 0 / 5
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Exercises

The map shows four labelled places on a coordinate grid. When asked, tap the correct place on the map.

Tap the Park at A2

0 / 4 found · Look at the dashed boxes — tap the right one.

A coordinate grid map labelled A through E across and 1 through 5 down. The map shows a park, a school, a lake, and a hospital.

Match each map feature on the left with the correct symbol description on the right.

Pick the best answer for each question.

1. A map shows "1 cm equals 5 km". Two towns are 4 cm apart on the map. How far apart are they in real life?

2. On a coordinate grid, what does the coordinate B4 tell you?

3. Which type of map shows the smallest area in the greatest detail?

4. What is the purpose of a map key?

5. A scale of 1:100,000 means that one unit on the map equals how many of the same units in real life?

6. On a town map, the lake is at coordinate E4 and the school is at C3. Which is true?

7. Which scale type uses a small ruler drawn on the map to measure distance?

8. You want a map that shows the entire continent of Africa on one page. Which type of map is best?

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Assessment

Parent / Teacher Checklist

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