Global Perspectives and Local Landscapes · 6th Year

Active learning ideas

Map Symbols and Keys

Active learning helps students move from passive observation to active interpretation of symbols, which is essential for map literacy. Students remember conventions better when they create, match, and explain symbols themselves rather than just studying them. Movement and collaboration also build spatial awareness in a way that worksheets cannot.

• NCCA Curriculum Specifications
• NCCA: Primary - Maps, Globes and Graph Work

• 25–40 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 4 activities

Activity 01

• Stations Rotation
• 35 min · Small Groups

Scavenger Hunt: School Grounds Symbols

Distribute a printed map of school grounds with standard symbols. Small groups locate and sketch matching real features, such as paths or trees. Regroup to compile observations into a class key, discussing any ambiguities.

Analyze how map symbols convey complex information efficiently.

Facilitation Tip

During the Scavenger Hunt, circulate with the Ordnance Survey key in hand so you can redirect students who misinterpret symbols by showing them the exact reference.

What to look for

Provide students with a small, simplified map of a fictional town containing 5-7 common features. Ask them to write down the symbol for each feature and its corresponding meaning as listed in a provided map key. Then, ask them to identify one feature that might be represented by a different symbol on a different type of map.

• Remember
• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

Activity 02

• Stations Rotation
• 25 min · Pairs

Pairs Matching: Symbols to Features

Prepare cards with Ordnance Survey symbols on one set and descriptions on another. Pairs match and explain choices, then invent symbols for five classroom items. Share pairs' creations for peer feedback.

Differentiate between various types of map symbols and their meanings.

Facilitation Tip

For the Pairs Matching activity, ask each pair to explain one match aloud to the class to reinforce peer learning and accountability.

What to look for

Display a section of an Ordnance Survey map on the projector. Ask students to call out the meaning of specific symbols as you point to them. For example, 'What does this blue line represent?' or 'What feature is indicated by this cluster of green dots?'

• Remember
• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

Activity 03

• Stations Rotation
• 30 min · Individual

Individual: Custom Classroom Map Key

Students sketch a map of the classroom from memory, assign symbols to objects like desks and doors, and create a key. They swap maps with a partner to interpret and suggest improvements.

Construct a map key for a simple map of the classroom or school grounds.

Facilitation Tip

In the Individual Custom Classroom Map Key task, remind students to include a legend and to limit their map to one page to focus on symbol clarity.

What to look for

Present students with two different maps of the same area but with slightly different symbol sets or keys. Ask: 'How does the difference in symbols or keys affect your ability to quickly understand the information on each map? Which map key is more effective and why?'

• Remember
• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

Activity 04

• Stations Rotation
• 40 min · Whole Class

Whole Class: Map Key Relay

Divide class into teams. Project a blank map; teams send one member at a time to add a symbol and update the projected key. Class votes on clarity after each addition.

Analyze how map symbols convey complex information efficiently.

Facilitation Tip

During the Map Key Relay, keep the timer visible and assign roles like reader, recorder, and runner to encourage teamwork.

What to look for

Provide students with a small, simplified map of a fictional town containing 5-7 common features. Ask them to write down the symbol for each feature and its corresponding meaning as listed in a provided map key. Then, ask them to identify one feature that might be represented by a different symbol on a different type of map.

• Remember
• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

A few notes on teaching this unit

Teachers find that students grasp map symbols faster when they connect them to real places they know. Avoid overwhelming students with too many symbols at once; focus on a core set first. Research shows that students learn best when they create their own symbols before analyzing standard ones, as this builds empathy for why conventions exist.

By the end of these activities, students should confidently identify and explain at least five standard map symbols and justify why conventions matter. They should also notice how symbol choices change with context and purpose. Accuracy in decoding and designing symbols signals strong understanding.

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• During the Pairs Matching activity, watch for students who assume symbols are universal.

  Have pairs compare their matched symbols with another group’s findings and check each against the Ordnance Survey key to highlight differences in symbol sets across map types.

• During the Individual Custom Classroom Map Key task, watch for students who use realistic pictures for symbols.

  Ask students to explain why they chose abstract shapes or colors, then guide them to redraw their symbol to follow the efficiency principle of map keys.

• During the Scavenger Hunt, watch for students who assume all straight lines represent roads.

  Point out the key’s line types and ask students to categorize lines on their hunt sheets as roads, rivers, or boundaries before moving on.

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Methods used in this brief

• Stations Rotation