Master Map Skills with Map Feature Task Cards

Map and globe skills are essential to second and third graders’ success in geography and social studies, but that doesn’t mean they’ll come naturally. Map skills can be challenging for young students, who often need plenty of practice.

Research shows that students are more likely to learn this information if it’s presented engagingly. That’s why we’ve created our Maps and Globes Task Cards. This set of 16 map skills task cards provides students with opportunities to practice their skills with

• Map Elements
• Map Features
• Latitude and Longitudes
• Prime Meridian and the Equator
• Purpose of a Map Scale
• Hemispheres
• Types of Maps
• U.S. Regions

This resource is perfect for use as an independent practice activity or formative assessment after initial instruction.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your Social Studies lessons.

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts: 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

Help students who need help understanding the concepts by 

• Completing the activity as a whole group or in a small group session.
• Provide students with a Map Skills anchor chart or map reference sheet during the activity completion.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

• Have students make an anchor chart or slide presentation about the different features found on a map.
• Have students turn their learning into an infographic or research project.

Plan lessons for more U.S. Geography topics with our Geography collection! 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the Download button to download the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource.

We recommend printing one copy of the entire file, including an answer key, to use this resource. Cut apart the cards and provide each student with a recording sheet and writing utensil. Students will move around the room or remain in a learning station to complete the practice activity. 

This resource was created by Lindsey Phillips, a teacher in Michigan and Teach Starter Collaborator. 

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities and resources that cut down on lesson planning time:  

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