Begin the lesson by discussing the importance of maps in our daily lives. Highlight how maps help us navigate and understand the world around us.

Introduce the key features of a map, such as the title, symbols, key, scale, and compass rose, and explain their significance.

Provide a detailed explanation of each map feature, using examples to illustrate how they are used.

Discuss the purpose of a map title and how it relates to the map's content and intended use.

Engage students in interpreting map symbols using a key or legend to understand what they represent.

Use a map's scale to calculate real-world distances between points on the map.

Have students create their own simple map of a familiar area, incorporating a title, symbols, key, scale, and compass rose.

Encourage students to use a compass rose to determine directions on their map and orient it correctly.

Assign students to complete the 'Using Maps' assessment to reinforce their understanding of map features and practical applications.

Conduct a class discussion to review the key features of a map and their significance.

Ask students to share their maps and explain the features they included and their purpose.

Reflect on how understanding map features can aid in navigation and spatial awareness.

Encourage students to think about how they can use maps in their everyday lives.

Use the 'Map Features' assessment to evaluate students' ability to identify and label features on a map.

For further exploration, students can engage in the 'Modeling the Earth’s Features' activity to create a diorama of Earth's features, enhancing their understanding of landforms and water sources.