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.
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.
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?
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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