7th Grade Geographer Lesson Plan Example

Topic: How OS maps are used to investigate places?

Objectives & Outcomes

• Students will be able to use OS maps to investigate places and describe their findings using appropriate vocabulary.

Materials

• OS mapping sheets
• OS map scales
• OS map markers
• Calculators (optional)

Warm-up

• Ask students if they have ever used an OS map before.
• Ask them to describe how they used the map.
• Write their answers on the whiteboard.

Direct Instruction

• Explain to students that an OS map is a map made by a government organization called the Ordnance Survey.
• Show students an example of an OS map and explain how it is different from other maps.
• Point out the distinctive features of an OS map, such as the grid lines, the shading, and the symbols.
• Explain how these features are used to investigate places. For example, the grid lines are used to measure distances, the shading is used to show elevation, and the symbols are used to show different features such as buildings, roads, and rivers.
• Ask students if they can think of any other ways OS maps can be used. Write their suggestions on the whiteboard.

Guided Practice

• Pass out copies of an OS map to each student and ask them to choose a place they are familiar with on the map.
• Let students work in small groups to identify different features on the map and explain their purpose.
• Have each group present their findings to the class and discuss as a whole group.

Independent Practice:

• Have students choose a place on an OS map that they are not familiar with and conduct research on the internet or in a library to find out more about the place.
• Using the information they've gathered, have students create a collage or mind map of the different features on the map and how they are used to investigate the place.

Closure:

• Have students share their collages or mind maps with the class.
• Review the different features on the OS map and how they are used to investigate the place.

Assessment:

• Observe students during the independent practice activity and provide feedback on their use of OS maps and their understanding of the features on the map and their purpose.
• Have students submit their completed collages or mind maps as an assessment of their understanding of the lesson.