What is a Map?
A map is like a picture of a place from above! Let's learn how maps help us find where things are and how to get places!
Learn
A map is a drawing that shows what a place looks like from up above, like a bird flying in the sky! Maps show us where things are and help us find our way.
What Can Maps Show?
Maps Show Places
Maps can show your house, your school, the park, stores, and streets! Everything is shown as if you were a bird looking down from way up high.
Maps Help Us Find Our Way
If you want to go somewhere new, a map can show you how to get there! Maps show roads, paths, and which way to go.
Different Kinds of Maps
Neighborhood Map
Shows houses and streets near you
Classroom Map
Shows desks, chairs, and doors
Zoo or Park Map
Shows where animals or rides are
City Map
Shows streets and buildings
World Map
Shows countries and oceans
Treasure Map
Shows where treasure is hidden!
Examples
Let's see how people use maps!
Example 1: Finding the Playground
What Emma needs: Emma is at the zoo and wants to find the playground.
How a map helps: She looks at the zoo map. She sees "YOU ARE HERE" by the lions. She finds the playground picture on the map. The map shows her to walk past the monkeys and turn left!
Result: Emma follows the map and finds the playground!
Example 2: Classroom Map
What the teacher made: The teacher drew a map of the classroom.
What it shows: The map shows rectangles for desks, a big rectangle for the teacher's desk, circles for the reading rug, and a square for the door.
How it helps: New students can use the map to find where to sit and where things are!
Example 3: The Birthday Party
What Carlos needs: Carlos is invited to a birthday party at his friend's house, but he's never been there.
How a map helps: The invitation has a little map! It shows Carlos's street, then a right turn, then a left turn to his friend's house.
Result: Carlos and his mom follow the map and find the party!
Example 4: Treasure Hunt Game
What Maya's dad made: A treasure map of their backyard!
What the map shows: The big tree, the swing set, the garden, and an X marks the spot where the treasure is hidden!
Result: Maya uses the map to find the hidden treasure (a bag of candy)!
Example 5: Bird's Eye View
Imagine this: Pretend you're a bird flying over your bedroom.
What you'd see: Your bed looks like a rectangle. Your round rug looks like a circle. Your door looks like a rectangle on the wall.
This is how maps work: They show places from up above, like a bird would see them!
Practice Problems
Let's practice thinking about maps!
Problem 1
What is a map?
Show Answer
A map is a drawing that shows what a place looks like from above. Maps help us see where things are and find our way!
Problem 2
If you looked at your classroom from above, what shape would your desk look like?
Show Answer
Your desk would probably look like a rectangle from above!
Problem 3
What kind of map would help you find the monkeys at the zoo?
Show Answer
A zoo map would show you where all the animals are, including the monkeys!
Problem 4
Why do maps show things from above instead of from the side?
Show Answer
Looking from above lets you see where everything is at the same time! You can see the whole area and how things connect.
Problem 5
What would a round swimming pool look like on a map?
Show Answer
A round swimming pool would look like a circle on a map!
Problem 6
How can a map help you if you're lost?
Show Answer
A map can show you where you are and which way to go to get where you want to be!
Problem 7
On a map of your bedroom, what shape would your pillow look like?
Show Answer
Your pillow would probably look like a rectangle or square from above!
Problem 8
Name something a neighborhood map might show.
Show Answer
A neighborhood map might show: houses, streets, the park, stores, your school - places near where you live!
Problem 9
What does the X usually mean on a treasure map?
Show Answer
X marks the spot! It shows where the treasure is hidden!
Problem 10
Could you make a map of your bedroom?
Show Answer
Yes! You could draw your room from above, showing your bed, desk, door, and other furniture as shapes!
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
What is a map?
Show Answer
A map is a drawing that shows what a place looks like from above, like a bird sees it!
Question 2
Name two things a map can show.
Show Answer
Maps can show: houses, streets, parks, schools, stores, rivers, mountains, rooms - and many more places!
Question 3
How is looking at a map different from looking at a photo taken from the ground?
Show Answer
A map shows things from above (bird's eye view), while a regular photo shows things from the side, like how we see them standing on the ground.
Question 4
Why are maps helpful?
Show Answer
Maps help us find where things are, know which way to go, and not get lost!
Next Steps
Make Your Own Map!
Draw a map of your bedroom from above:
- Draw a big rectangle for the room
- Add your bed as a rectangle
- Add other furniture as shapes
- Draw where the door is
- Show someone your map and see if they can figure out what's what!
- Look for maps when you go to new places (zoo, museum, store)
- Ask a grown-up to show you a map on their phone
- Ready to learn about the globe? Check out Our Globe!