treasure maps / Lesson Plan

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Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to create and understand a treasure map, using your knowledge of geography.

Materials and Prep

  • Blank paper
  • Colored pencils or markers
  • Pencil

Before starting the lesson, make sure you have a basic understanding of cardinal directions (north, south, east, and west) and the concept of landmarks.

Activities

  1. Create your own treasure map:

    2. Start by drawing a simple map of an imaginary island or any location you like. Include various landmarks such as mountains, rivers, forests, and buildings. Don't forget to include an "X" to mark the spot where the treasure is hidden!

  2. Add geographical features:

    3. Using your knowledge of geography, label the cardinal directions (north, south, east, and west) on your map. Identify and label the landmarks you included earlier.

  3. Color and decorate your map:

    4. Use colored pencils or markers to make your map visually appealing. Be creative and add additional details that make your treasure map unique.

  4. Present your treasure map:

    5. Show your completed treasure map to a family member or friend. Explain the geographical features and landmarks on your map, and describe how someone could follow your map to find the hidden treasure.

Third Grade Talking Points

  • "Social Studies is a subject that helps us learn about the world we live in. It includes topics like history, geography, and cultures."
  • "Geography is a part of Social Studies that focuses on understanding the Earth's features, such as landforms, bodies of water, and the location of different places."
  • "Cardinal directions are the main directions on a compass: north, south, east, and west. They help us navigate and understand where things are in relation to each other."
  • "Landmarks are important or interesting places that help us identify specific locations. They can be natural, like mountains or rivers, or man-made, like buildings or monuments."
  • "When creating a treasure map, we need to think about the geographical features of the area and use our knowledge of cardinal directions to give directions to the treasure."