NEWLY UPDATED & EXPANDED!
 
There's a whole world to explore, and maps are one of the most fascinating ways to make sense of it! From the earliest attempts to chart unfamiliar lands to the technology we use to navigate today, maps have an incredible history. They're also packed with opportunities to explore geography, practise practical skills, and get creative!
 
Our Wonder Years Maps & Mapping unit has undergone a MAJOR expansion! Originally  (Maps Skills Unit) 45 pages, this updated 127-page resource includes approximately two-thirds brand-new material, with additional full lessons,  readings, activities, games, and hands-on projects.
 
Geared for ages 9–12, this unit introduces students to the fundamentals of maps and geography through concise, student-facing readings paired with creative and engaging activities. Students will develop practical map-reading skills while exploring the history of cartography, the science of navigation, and the many ways maps help us understand our world.
 
What's included?
 
Each lesson includes:
 
Readings: Age-appropriate, student-facing readings that introduce geographical concepts, explore fascinating historical developments, and explain practical mapping skills.
 
Activities: Creative and engaging activities that give students opportunities to apply what they've learned. From decoding maps and playing geography games to constructing their own 3D town, there's plenty of hands-on learning!
 
Thoughts & Doodles: Reflection pages that encourage students to think more deeply about the lesson topics through writing and drawing prompts.
 
Topics & activities include:
 
🗺️ What Is a Map? Exploring the different purposes of maps and how they represent our world.
 
🧭 The History of the Compass Rose: Discover how standardized directions developed and create your own compass rose.
 
🏝️ Map Symbols & Legends: Learn to interpret map symbols, create original legends, and design a fantasy world.
 
📏 Scale: Explore how maps represent real-world distances and put your skills to work with practical mapping activities.
 
🌎 Globes, Maps & Continents: Discover the differences between globes and flat maps and explore the continents through a hands-on mapping activity.
 
📍 Latitude & Longitude: Learn how coordinates work, play a geographical version of Battleship, and discover the fascinating history of navigation.
 
⏱️ Unlocking Longitude: Explore the historical challenge of determining longitude at sea and construct your own navigational quadrant.
 
🌐 Place Names & Mapping History: Discover the stories behind geographical names and explore the history of cartography, including Indigenous place names and the effects of colonization.
 
⛰️ Topographic Maps: Learn to read contour lines, interpret elevation and landforms, and create a colourful layered topographic art project.
 
🏘️ Build a Town & Map: Plan and construct your own paper town using printable buildings, roads, and landmarks, then create a map of your community!
 
PLUS additional geography activities, creative projects, printable resources, and answer keys!
 
A note for returning customers
 
If you purchased the original Maps Skills unit, this updated edition includes a substantial amount of new content! The resource has grown from 45 to 127 pages, with approximately two-thirds consisting of brand-new material.
 
Previous customers who purchased the original unit as a standalone resource are eligible for 30% off the expanded edition for two weeks following its release.
 
Please email your original proof of purchase to receive your exclusive discount code. Purchases made as part of a bundle do not qualify for this offer.
 
Resource Details
 
Ages: 9–12
Pages: 127
Format: Digital PDF Download
 
Please download your files within 30 days of purchase before the download link expires. If you miss the window, email us to request a new link.
 
Digital products are non-refundable as download links are sent immediately upon purchase.