Introduction to Mapping and Cartography with Pirates

Overview:
This resource is a set of two lesson plans that introduce the concept of cartography through an interactive, pirate-themed story, by relating it to maps in the local area that students would be familiar with. The lessons are designed for learners aged 8 to 11. This resource includes slides, lesson plans, and additional notes to supplement the lesson slides, as well as handouts for hands-on learning. The hands-on approach ensures that learners are actively engaged and learning effectively.

Background:
This lesson can be incorporated into the school’s curriculum for a general knowledge class of Level 1/2 learners. The resource was created as a part of the University of Edinburgh’s Geoscience Outreach and Engagement course. This resource has been created for use as an Open Educational Resource (OER) by the OER Service, at the Information Services Group at the University of Edinburgh. As an OER, teachers are welcome to make any changes to their resources according to their needs.

Objectives and Success Criteria:

• I can use map skills such as grid references and compass points.
• I know how to use map symbols and locate them on a map.
• I can use problem-solving skills to solve puzzles based on a treasure map.
• I can use my creativity and understanding of maps to create a map of my city.

Experiences and Outcomes:
MTH 2-18a / MTH 3-18a: I can use my knowledge of the coordinate system to plot and describe the location of a point on a grid.
SOC 1-14a: Through activities in my local area, I have developed my mental map and sense of place. I can create and use maps of the area.
MTH 1-17a: I can describe, follow and record routes and journeys using signs, words and angles associated with direction and turning.
EXA 0-06a: Working on my own and with others, I use my curiosity and imagination to solve design problems.
LIT 1-09: When listening and talking with others for different purposes, I can exchange information, experiences, explanations, ideas and opinions, and clarify points by asking questions or by asking others to say more.
SOC 0-07a: I explore and discover the interesting features of my local environment to develop an awareness of the world around me.

This Pack Includes:

• Lesson Plans.docx
  Workshop 1
• Pirate Letter.pptx
• Mapping Slides.pptx
• Slides.pptx
• Worksheets.pptx
  Workshop 2
• Flashcards.pptx / .pdf
• Treasure Map.png
• Slides.pptx
• Worksheets.pptx

‘Introduction to Mapping and Cartography with Pirates’ was developed by Rachel Morrison, and all content in this package is available under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license unless otherwise stated.