Finding Our Way

16 Fifteen-Minute Programs
Grade Level: 4-8
Curriculum Area: Social Studies: Map Skills

Through careful sequencing, this series uses a fresh, new approach to introduce, develop, and reinforce such concepts as position, direction, and distance on the earth's surface. Students are taught how to read and interpret map and globe information needed for a better understanding of any social studies curriculum.

Teacher Guide: 49 pages; includes objectives, vocabulary, pre-viewing activities, discussion questions, teacher information, and bibliography.

1. Tools We Need  (13:52)
Students learn to determine direction on the two basic tools of geography: maps and globes.

2. Global Concepts   (13:48)
Students develop an understanding of the spherical earth with regard to concepts of the earth's axis, poles, rotation, revolution, hemispheres, and equator.

3. East West Lines   (13:22)
The earth's imaginary "East-West" lines as they relate to establishing position on the world's grid system of latitude and longitude are presented.

4. North South Lines   (13:40)
The earth's imaginary "North-South" lines as they relate to establishing position on the world's grid system of latitude and longitude are illustrated.

5. Languages of Symbols    (13:48)
Map symbols as they relate to boundaries, land elevation, population of cities, and manmade features are examined.

6. Scaling Down the World  (13:50)
How the earth or parts of the earth can be drawn or represented proportionately through the use of scale measurement is demonstrated.

7. The Meaning of Relief (14:11)
The objective of this program is to develop an understanding of map relief as it relates to landform and elevation.

8. Projecting This Earth  (13:21)
The need for basic map projections, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each is illustrated.

9. Using the Globe   (14:21)
Students will understand how to read and interpret the symbols, scale, grid lines, and other information included on classroom globes.

10. Reading Maps 13:52
How to search out specific information by using the map's legend, scale, and directions is demonstrated.

11. Maps for Every Purpose 14:08
Students develop an understanding of map usage and how it relates to the great variety of maps made for different purposes.

12. Atlases Work Wonders 13:46
A geographical atlas as a resource tool with special emphasis on reference skills is presented.

13. Time the World Over 13:50
Understanding the world's geographical time zones as they relate to earth movement, to meridians of longitude, and to the International Date Line is the focus of this program.

14. Early Maps and Globes 13:52
This program's goals include understanding and appreciating the history of maps and globes.

15. How Maps Are Made 14:17
The basic ways in which maps are made are examined.

16. Can You Find Your Way? 14:17
How to use maps and globes with respect to establishing position, determining direction and distance, interpreting symbols, and reading the map for content is presented.