Map Skills and Grid References — Year 4 Lesson Plan
National Curriculum: Geography KS2 — geographical skills: use maps, atlases, globes and digital/computer mapping; use four-figure grid references, symbols and key
Overview
Pupils develop their map-reading skills, learning to use four-figure grid references to locate places precisely, interpret symbols using a key, and understand scale. They apply these skills using Ordnance Survey maps of the local area, developing confidence in fieldwork and spatial reasoning.
Map Skills and Grid References learning objectives
- Use four-figure grid references to locate squares on a map.
- Use a map key to interpret symbols for both human and physical features.
- Understand and use scale to estimate real distances from a map.
- Apply map-reading skills in a practical fieldwork context.
Success criteria
- I can give a four-figure grid reference.
- I can use a key to find features on a map.
- I can use a scale to estimate distance.
- I can use a map outdoors.
Key Vocabulary
Suggested Lesson Structure
Show a section of an OS map. Ask: what can you tell from this map? What do the colours, lines, and symbols mean? Establish that maps use a code — and reading them is a skill. Introduce the mnemonic 'Along the corridor, then up the stairs' for reading grid references (easting first, then northing).
Demonstrate four-figure grid references on an OS map: find the eastings along the bottom, find the northings up the side, the grid reference refers to the bottom-left corner of the square. Practice: teacher calls a grid reference, pupils find the square and name what is in it. Introduce the OS map key: show symbols for church, post office, campsite, woodland, contour lines. Introduce scale: if 1 cm = 1 km on the map, how far is it between two points? Use a ruler to measure and multiply.
Pupils use a local OS map extract (or a teaching map). Complete three tasks: give the grid reference for three named locations; identify what is in three given grid squares; estimate the distance between two points using the scale bar.
Treasure hunt using the map: pupils follow a series of clues given as grid references and map symbols to identify five locations. For each they write: the grid reference, what the symbol shows, and whether it is a human or physical feature.
Discuss: when would a map be more useful than Google Maps? (no signal areas, hiking, emergency services, military, planning). Introduce six-figure grid references as an extension for more precise location. Why might accuracy matter in geography and emergency response?
Support and extension for map skills and grid references
Support
- Use a grid with large squares and coloured eastings and northings.
- Practise on a classroom or playground map before an Ordnance Survey map.
- Remind pupils: “along the corridor, then up the stairs”.
Extension
- Introduce six-figure grid references for more precise locations.
- Plan a route between two places and estimate its length using the scale.
- Make a map of the school grounds with a key and grid.
Check for understanding
Quick questions for the plenary or an exit ticket. Tap a question to see the answer.
1. Which number comes first in a grid reference?
Answer: The easting (along), then the northing (up).
2. What is a map key for?
Answer: It explains what the symbols on the map mean.
3. On a map where 1 cm = 1 km, how far apart are two places 4 cm apart?
Answer: About 4 km.
4. What do contour lines show?
Answer: The height and shape of the land.
Resources you will need
- Ordnance Survey map extracts of the local area
- Grid reference practice sheets
- Rulers and string for measuring routes
- Clipboards for outdoor work
Common Misconceptions
- Reading northings before eastings — the mnemonic 'along the corridor, then up the stairs' helps: always read the easting (horizontal) number first.
- Thinking the grid reference points to a specific point rather than the bottom-left corner of a grid square.
Prior Knowledge
Pupils should already be able to:
- Use of four compass points from KS1.
- Experience reading simple maps with a key.
- Basic understanding of scale as a concept.
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