ALEX Classroom Resources

   View Standards     Standard(s): [SS2010] LWT1 (1) 8 :

8 ) Identify land masses, bodies of water, and other physical features on maps and globes.

•  Explaining the use of cardinal directions and the compass rose

•  Measuring distance using nonstandard units

Example: measuring with pencils, strings, hands, feet

•  Using vocabulary associated with geographical features, including river, lake, ocean, and mountain

[SS2010] LWT2 (2) 6 :

6 ) Identify states, continents, oceans, and the equator using maps, globes, and technology.

•  Identifying map elements, including title, legend, compass rose, and scale

•  Identifying the intermediate directions of northeast, southeast, northwest, and southwest

•  Recognizing technological resources such as a virtual globe, satellite images, and radar

•  Locating points on a grid

Used for modeling and guided practice, this activity allows for the labeling of the cardinal and intermediate directions on a compass rose. This interactive can be used to reinforce compass rose and cardinal directions after an introductory lesson. 

   View Standards     Standard(s): [SS2010] LWT1 (1) 8 :

8 ) Identify land masses, bodies of water, and other physical features on maps and globes.

•  Explaining the use of cardinal directions and the compass rose

•  Measuring distance using nonstandard units

Example: measuring with pencils, strings, hands, feet

•  Using vocabulary associated with geographical features, including river, lake, ocean, and mountain

[SS2010] LWT2 (2) 6 :

6 ) Identify states, continents, oceans, and the equator using maps, globes, and technology.

•  Identifying map elements, including title, legend, compass rose, and scale

•  Identifying the intermediate directions of northeast, southeast, northwest, and southwest

•  Recognizing technological resources such as a virtual globe, satellite images, and radar

•  Locating points on a grid

In this video from PBSLearningMedia, students learn about cardinal directions and complete an interesting hands-on activity. This video is part of Activity Starters, which is an animated video series. In each episode, an animated character introduces a concept and an activity

   View Standards     Standard(s): [SS2010] LWT1 (1) 8 :

8 ) Identify land masses, bodies of water, and other physical features on maps and globes.

•  Explaining the use of cardinal directions and the compass rose

•  Measuring distance using nonstandard units

Example: measuring with pencils, strings, hands, feet

•  Using vocabulary associated with geographical features, including river, lake, ocean, and mountain

[SC2015] (2) 9 :

9 ) Create models to identify physical features of Earth (e.g., mountains, valleys, plains, deserts, lakes, rivers, oceans).

In this interactive game from Smithsonian, players soar above five real world terrains in the United States while learning about different types of land and water features. Observe eleven different land and water features including: mountains, plains, lakes, oceans, and mesas. View terrain maps from a first-person and top-down view. Test your knowledge of land and water features after every flight with an in-game assessment. The Glider Guide simulation is available as a website for computers. Download the application for use on tablets and mobile devices.  No registration is necessary.

   View Standards     Standard(s): [SS2010] LWT1 (1) 8 :

8 ) Identify land masses, bodies of water, and other physical features on maps and globes.

•  Explaining the use of cardinal directions and the compass rose

•  Measuring distance using nonstandard units

Example: measuring with pencils, strings, hands, feet

•  Using vocabulary associated with geographical features, including river, lake, ocean, and mountain

[SS2010] LWT2 (2) 6 :

6 ) Identify states, continents, oceans, and the equator using maps, globes, and technology.

•  Identifying map elements, including title, legend, compass rose, and scale

•  Identifying the intermediate directions of northeast, southeast, northwest, and southwest

•  Recognizing technological resources such as a virtual globe, satellite images, and radar

•  Locating points on a grid

[SS2010] GHS (3) 1 :

1 ) Locate the prime meridian, equator, Tropic of Capricorn, Tropic of Cancer, International Date Line, and lines of latitude and longitude on maps and globes.

•  Using cardinal and intermediate directions to locate on a map or globe an area in Alabama or the world (Alabama)

•  Using coordinates to locate points on a grid

•  Determining distance between places on a map using a scale

•  Locating physical and cultural regions using labels, symbols, and legends on an Alabama or world map (Alabama)

•  Describing the use of geospatial technologies

Examples: Global Positioning System (GPS), geographic information system (GIS)

•  Interpreting information on thematic maps

Examples: population, vegetation, climate, growing season, irrigation

•  Using vocabulary associated with maps and globes, including megalopolis, landlocked, border, and elevation

In this learning activity, students learn of a slave named Robert Smalls who stole a ship and used his map skills to escape to freedom. Students will view a map of Robert Smalls route and create a map of their own neighborhood.  

   View Standards     Standard(s): [SS2010] LWT (0) 8 :

8 ) Recognize maps, globes, and satellite images.

[SS2010] LWT (0) 9 :

9 ) Differentiate between land forms and bodies of water on maps and globes.

[SS2010] LWT1 (1) 8 :

8 ) Identify land masses, bodies of water, and other physical features on maps and globes.

•  Explaining the use of cardinal directions and the compass rose

•  Measuring distance using nonstandard units

Example: measuring with pencils, strings, hands, feet

•  Using vocabulary associated with geographical features, including river, lake, ocean, and mountain

[SS2010] LWT2 (2) 6 :

6 ) Identify states, continents, oceans, and the equator using maps, globes, and technology.

•  Identifying map elements, including title, legend, compass rose, and scale

•  Identifying the intermediate directions of northeast, southeast, northwest, and southwest

•  Recognizing technological resources such as a virtual globe, satellite images, and radar

•  Locating points on a grid

[SS2010] GHS (3) 1 :

1 ) Locate the prime meridian, equator, Tropic of Capricorn, Tropic of Cancer, International Date Line, and lines of latitude and longitude on maps and globes.

•  Using cardinal and intermediate directions to locate on a map or globe an area in Alabama or the world (Alabama)

•  Using coordinates to locate points on a grid

•  Determining distance between places on a map using a scale

•  Locating physical and cultural regions using labels, symbols, and legends on an Alabama or world map (Alabama)

•  Describing the use of geospatial technologies

Examples: Global Positioning System (GPS), geographic information system (GIS)

•  Interpreting information on thematic maps

Examples: population, vegetation, climate, growing season, irrigation

•  Using vocabulary associated with maps and globes, including megalopolis, landlocked, border, and elevation

In this learning activity, students use Google Maps to find their school and to locate the closest body of water. The activity includes links to additional resources.