Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will learn how to read a map, create their own measuring tools, and calculate distances between different locations at Fort George G. Meade. Additionally, the student will gain practical experience by verifying their measurements using a car odometer.

Materials and Prep

• Map of Fort George G. Meade
• Yarn
• Wax for dipping yarn
• Car odometer
• Notebook and pencil for notes

Before the lesson, prepare the map and ensure that you have enough wax and yarn to make the wiki sticks. Familiarize yourself with the map and its key to help guide the student through the activities.

Activities

• Map Exploration: Start by looking at the map of Fort George G. Meade together. Discuss the different symbols and what they represent. Ask the student to identify key locations on the map.

• Making Wiki Sticks: Show the student how to dip the yarn into the wax to create wiki sticks. Explain that these sticks will help them measure distances on the map.

• Measuring Distances: Using the wiki sticks, guide the student to measure the distance between various destinations on the map. Help them use the map's key to convert their measurements into approximate miles.

• Field Trip: Take a drive to the selected destinations using the car odometer. Compare the actual distances traveled to the measurements taken on the map.

Talking Points

• "Maps are like treasure maps! They show us where things are and help us find our way."
• "The key on a map tells us what the symbols mean. Can you find a symbol and tell me what it represents?"
• "These wiki sticks are special measuring tools we created! How can we use them to find out how far to our next destination?"
• "When we drive to our destinations, we can use the car odometer to see if our measurements were correct. Let’s keep track of the miles!"
• "Learning about maps and distances helps us understand our world better. Where else do you think we could use a map?"