Link to USGS home page.
Schoolyard Geology

Schoolyard Geology Home Lesson 1 | 2 | 3 Download

Lesson 1: Map your Schoolyard

Overview Geologists do a lot of mapping. You can do the same thing in your schoolyard. This exercise introduces the concept of maps.

Learning Outcomes
  • Maps are drawings of an area as seen from above.
  • Maps have a scale and north arrow.
  • Maps have legends to explain the meaning of different symbols and colors.
  • Maps can be used to navigate.
  • Students practice the skill of navigating using a map.
  • Students gain appreciation for the fact that geology is all around them.
Materials Aerial photo of schoolyard printed out from the National Map web site. (see Instructions)
Tracing paper for each student.
Tape measure (at least one for the class, preferably more).
Compass (at least one for the class, preferably more).
Colored pencils (or maybe crayons, but they are usually too big and clunky).
Tape (preferably transparent)
Scissors
Rulers
A "clipboard" for each student (something sturdy to write on while outside -- textbooks, binders, etc. all work well).

Time Requirements 2-3 class periods
Instructions Class Period 0 (optional background)
  • This lesson addresses several skills related to mapping. To begin with, you'll need to make sure your students have sufficient background in mapping concepts. We recommend the following USGS resources for helping teach basic map skills as background. You may want to integrate sections of these background activities into Activity 1, or do them as a separate activity entirely.
    • Select the map activity appropriate for your grade level and student background: USGS Map Activities.
Class Period 1

Class Period 2 (optional)

  • Finish up the maps from the previous activity. Students will use these today in a mini-field trip to map rocks on their schoolyard. The details of this exercise are found here:
  • Activity 2: Navigating Your Schoolyard

Class Period 3

Extensions Invite a professional surveyor to come your class a guest. Surveyors use amazing new technology today -- much cooler than a tape measure and compass. Look some up in the phone book or search online (Using Google-Local turned up quite a few options in my area. Click here.). Many surveyors operate as individuals with small businesses, so you can probably find someone willing to help out. Bringing their equipment for a demonstration would be really exciting for your class.

Science Fair: This activity could also make a good science fair project as students create precise maps of their schoolyard or neighborhood.
Science Standards California

Gr1, HSS2. Compare the information that can be derived from a three-dimensional model to the information that can be derived from a picture of the same location.

Gr1, HSS3. Construct a simple map, using cardinal directions and map symbols.

Gr2, HSS2.2. Students demonstrate map skills by describing the absolute and relative locations of people, places, and environments.

Gr7, Sc7d. Construct scale models, maps, and appropriately labeled diagrams to communicate scientific knowledge (e. g., motion of Earth's plates and cell structure).

 

AccessibilityFOIAPrivacyPolicies and Notices

U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://education.usgs.gov/schoolyard/
Page Contact Information:USGS Education Web Team
Page Last Modified: 24 July 2006

USA.gov logo  Take Pride in America button