Maps and Data
Learn
Maps and charts help us understand our community. They show us where things are and give us information in pictures and numbers. Community helpers use maps and data every day!
What is a Map?
A map is a drawing that shows where things are. Maps can show:
- Streets and roads
- Buildings like schools, hospitals, and fire stations
- Parks and playgrounds
- Where community helpers work
Map Symbols
Maps use symbols - small pictures that stand for real things. For example:
- A red cross might mean a hospital
- A little house with a flag might mean a fire station
- A book might mean a library
- A star might mean a police station
What is Data?
Data is information we collect. We can show data in charts and graphs. For example, we could count how many community helpers work in our town.
Picture Graphs
A picture graph uses pictures to show numbers. Each picture stands for one or more things. Picture graphs make it easy to compare amounts.
How Community Helpers Use Maps and Data
- Firefighters use maps to find the fastest way to a fire
- Mail carriers use maps to know which streets to walk on
- Police officers use data to know which areas need more help
- Doctors use data to track how many people get sick
Examples
Example 1: Reading a Simple Map
Imagine a map of a neighborhood with these places marked:
- School (at the top)
- Fire Station (on the left)
- Library (on the right)
- Hospital (at the bottom)
Question: If you start at the school and want to go to the library, which way do you go?
Answer: You go to the right! The library is on the right side of the map.
Example 2: Reading a Picture Graph
Imagine a picture graph showing community helpers in our town:
- Teachers: 5 pictures of apples
- Firefighters: 3 pictures of apples
- Doctors: 4 pictures of apples
(Each apple = 1 person)
Question: Which job has the most helpers in our town?
Answer: Teachers! There are 5 apple pictures for teachers, which is more than 3 or 4.
Example 3: Using Map Symbols
A map shows a red cross symbol on Oak Street.
Question: What building is probably on Oak Street?
Answer: A hospital! The red cross symbol usually means a hospital or medical center.
Practice
Answer these questions about maps and data.
1. What is a map?
- A) A type of food
- B) A drawing that shows where things are
- C) A kind of community helper
2. What is a symbol on a map?
Think about what symbols do.
3. A map shows a book symbol at 123 Main Street. What building is probably there?
4. Why would a firefighter need to use a map?
- A) To find recipes for dinner
- B) To find the fastest way to a fire
- C) To learn how to read
5. What is data?
6. Look at this picture graph:
- Police Officers: 4 stars
- Nurses: 6 stars
- Bus Drivers: 3 stars
Each star = 1 person. How many nurses are there?
7. Using the same picture graph from question 6, which job has the fewest helpers?
8. A mail carrier looks at a map. The map shows houses on Elm Street and Maple Street. Why does the mail carrier need this information?
9. True or False: A picture graph uses pictures to show numbers.
10. Match the map symbol to what it might mean:
- Red cross - _______
- Star - _______
- Book - _______
Places: Hospital, Police Station, Library
11. A class made a picture graph of their favorite community helpers:
- Firefighter: 8 hearts
- Teacher: 5 hearts
- Doctor: 7 hearts
How many more students picked firefighter than teacher?
12. Why is it helpful for a community to have a map that shows where the hospital is?
Check Your Understanding
Answer these questions to see what you learned.
1. What do maps show us?
2. How do picture graphs help us understand information?
3. Name one way a community helper uses maps or data in their job.
Next Steps
- Draw a simple map of your neighborhood or classroom
- Create a picture graph about something you can count (like favorite colors or pets)
- Move on to the next lesson about claim and evidence writing when ready