Maps and Data
Learn to read maps and simple charts to find where American symbols are located and discover interesting facts about them.
Learn
What Is a Map?
A map is a drawing that shows where things are. Maps help us find places!
- Maps show land and water
- Maps have a key (also called a legend) that explains the symbols
- Maps help us understand how far away places are
Finding American Symbols on a Map
Many important American symbols are in specific places. Let's learn where:
- The Statue of Liberty: In New York Harbor, New York
- The Liberty Bell: In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- The White House: In Washington, D.C.
- Mount Rushmore: In South Dakota
- The Bald Eagle: Lives all across America!
Reading a Map Key
A map key tells you what the pictures on a map mean. For example:
- A star might mean "capital city"
- A little building might mean "famous landmark"
- Blue color usually means water
- Green color often means land or parks
What Is Data?
Data means information or facts. We can show data in different ways:
- Picture graphs: Use pictures to show amounts
- Tally marks: Lines that help us count
- Lists: Words that give us information
Fun Facts About American Symbols (Data!)
| Symbol | Fun Fact |
|---|---|
| American Flag | Has 50 stars (one for each state) |
| Statue of Liberty | Is over 300 feet tall |
| Liberty Bell | Weighs about 2,000 pounds |
| Bald Eagle | Can fly up to 100 miles per hour |
Examples
Example 1: Using a Map Key
Imagine a map shows a torch symbol in New York Harbor.
You look at the map key. It says: Torch = Statue of Liberty
Answer: The torch symbol tells you where the Statue of Liberty is located!
Example 2: Reading a Picture Graph
A graph shows how many visitors came to see the Liberty Bell each day:
Monday: 3 people icons
Tuesday: 5 people icons
Wednesday: 4 people icons
(Each icon = 100 visitors)
Question: Which day had the most visitors?
Answer: Tuesday had the most visitors because it has 5 icons (500 visitors).
Example 3: Finding Distance on a Map
A map shows that Philadelphia is between New York and Washington, D.C.
Question: If you want to see both the Statue of Liberty (New York) and the Liberty Bell (Philadelphia), are they close together or far apart?
Answer: Looking at the map, they are not too far apart. You could visit both!
Practice
Answer these questions about maps and data.
1. What is a map?
A) A type of flag
B) A drawing that shows where things are
C) A kind of animal
D) A song about America
2. Where is the Statue of Liberty located?
A) California
B) Texas
C) New York Harbor
D) Florida
3. What does a map key do?
A) Opens a door
B) Explains what symbols on the map mean
C) Makes the map colorful
D) Nothing important
4. On most maps, what color shows water?
A) Red
B) Blue
C) Yellow
D) Orange
5. How many stars are on the American flag?
A) 13
B) 25
C) 50
D) 100
6. What does "data" mean?
A) A type of map
B) Information or facts
C) A color
D) A song
7. Where is the Liberty Bell located?
A) New York
B) Washington, D.C.
C) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
D) Los Angeles
8. A picture graph uses what to show amounts?
A) Only numbers
B) Pictures
C) Only words
D) Sounds
9. The bald eagle lives:
A) Only in one state
B) Only in zoos
C) All across America
D) Only in water
10. If a map shows a star on Washington, D.C., the star probably means:
A) There is a movie star there
B) It is the capital city
C) It is the biggest city
D) There is a star-shaped building
11. Mount Rushmore is in which state?
A) New York
B) California
C) South Dakota
D) Texas
12. Why are maps helpful when learning about American symbols?
A) They show us what color things are
B) They show us where symbols are located
C) They play music
D) They tell us stories
Check Your Understanding
Think about these questions to make sure you understand maps and data.
- Can you name three American symbols and tell where each one is located?
- What is a map key and why is it helpful?
- What are two ways we can show data?
- How could you use a map to plan a trip to see American symbols?
Next Steps
- Find a map of the United States and locate three symbols you learned about
- Create your own picture graph about American symbols
- Move on to the next lesson: Claim-Evidence Writing