GRADE 3 SOCIAL STUDIES IRPs COVERED:

It is expected that students will:

• A2 identify a variety of symbolic representations
• A3 use simple maps to interpret and present information
• E1 locate major landforms and bodies of water in BC and Canada

LESSONS:

1. In class you may have been studying mapping and have taught your class how to follow a legend and look at a map.
2. In the computer lab have students watch as you demonstrate how to use the mapping tools in Encarta:

1. Go to Encarta online (http://encarta.msn.com/) and click on Atlas.
2. Show students how to rotate the globe by clicking on the four direction arrows on the sides.
3. Point over an area with the hand and click on it then click.
4. Show how to return to the map by using the - symbol at the top .
5. Go to the box under Find and look up a place of your choice by typing in its name and pressing Enter. Look at the map and talk about how you can tell the difference between the name of a city and the name of a country.
6. Click on Legend (underneath the map) to show this feature and look at the symbols.
7. Hand out the worksheet on Mapping in Encarta and have students fill out the answers as they use the program.

EXTENSIONS:

-Have students make up mapping scavenger hunts for each other.