KS3 Geography: Understanding Maps and Places

Introduction

In this unit, we have explored various places and learned how to read and use maps. Maps are important tools that help us understand the world around us. They show us where places are located, the features of different areas, and how to navigate from one place to another.

1. List of Places Investigated

Make a list of all the places you have looked into during this unit. This could include towns, cities, parks, or any geographical features like mountains or rivers.

2. Importance of Maps

Maps are important because they allow us to visualize and understand the layout of different places. They help us find directions, explore new areas, and understand geographical relationships. Without maps, it would be much harder to navigate and learn about our world.

3. Locating Places

a) Locating on a World Map

To find a place on a world map, look for the country or region first, and then use the latitude and longitude lines to pinpoint the exact location. Latitude lines run horizontally, while longitude lines run vertically.

b) Locating on an OS Map

On an Ordnance Survey (OS) map, you use grid references to find specific locations. The map is divided into squares with coordinates on the edges, which help you identify where a place is located.

4. Scale of OS Map A

The scale of an OS map shows how distances on the map relate to distances in real life. For example, a scale of 1:25,000 means that 1 cm on the map equals 25,000 cm in reality (or 250 meters).

5. Features on Map A of Scarborough

a) Grid Reference Features

To find features at specific grid references:

• i) 028896: [Feature]
• ii) 039884: [Feature]
• iii) 022869: [Feature]
• iv) 047891: [Feature]
• v) 051893: [Feature]

b) Six-Figure Grid References

To provide six-figure grid references for:

• i) Viewpoint: [Grid Reference]
• ii) Superstore: [Grid Reference]
• iii) Throxenby Mere: [Grid Reference]
• iv) Lighthouse: [Grid Reference]

c) Contour Patterns

Contour lines on the map show the elevation changes in the landscape. On the western side of Scarborough, the contour lines may show a steep incline, indicating hills or cliffs.

6. Comparing Photo B with the OS Map

a) Grid References of Locations

For locations numbered 1-7 in Photo B, provide names and their respective grid references.

b) Enquiry Questions

Using the 4Ws (Who, What, Where, When) and 2Hs (How, Why), describe Scarborough. For example, “What activities can you do there?” or “How has the area changed over time?”

c) Direction of the Camera

To determine the camera’s direction, look for landmarks in the photo and compare them to the map. This will help you identify whether the camera was pointing north, south, east, or west.

7. Your Favourite Place

Think about your favourite place. Describe what it looks like and why you enjoy going there. Is it a park, a beach, or a city? What makes it special to you?

8. Reflection on Learning

Look at the vision statement for Progress in Geography. Reflect on what you have learned as a geographer in this unit. How have your skills developed?

Questions

Easy Level Questions (20 questions)

1. List three places you have studied in this unit.
2. Why do we use maps?
3. What are latitude and longitude?
4. What does the scale of a map tell us?
5. What does a grid reference help you find?
6. What does OS stand for in “OS map”?
7. What feature might you find at grid reference 028896?
8. How can maps help you when you travel?
9. What is a viewpoint?
10. What do contour lines show?
11. Name a feature you can find near Scarborough.
12. How do you use a map to find a location?
13. Why is it important to know directions?
14. What symbols might you find on a map?
15. Name one thing you can see in Photo B.
16. How do you know where north is on a map?
17. Can you name a country on a world map?
18. What is a superstore?
19. Why might someone use an OS map instead of a regular map?
20. What is your favourite place?

Medium Level Questions (20 questions)

1. How do you find a place using latitude and longitude?
2. What is the difference between a map scale of 1:10,000 and 1:25,000?
3. Explain how to read a grid reference.
4. Describe what happens to the landscape on the western side of Scarborough.
5. What kind of features might be represented by contour lines?
6. Give a specific location at grid reference 039884.
7. How would you use the key on a map?
8. What are the main benefits of using maps in geography?
9. Can you name a geographical feature near Scarborough?
10. What would you find at grid reference 051893?
11. Why is it important to learn about different places?
12. Describe a superstore’s features using a map.
13. How can photos help us understand maps better?
14. What are the 4Ws in geography?
15. Why might a viewpoint be important to visitors?
16. What is the significance of six-figure grid references?
17. How do you determine the direction on a map?
18. What are some common symbols used on OS maps?
19. Describe a feature you can identify from Photo B.
20. How does geography help you understand your local area?

Hard Level Questions (20 questions)

1. How do map scales affect how you interpret distances?
2. Explain the importance of grid references in navigation.
3. Compare and contrast a world map with an OS map.
4. How does the landscape of Scarborough influence its tourism?
5. Describe the process of creating a detailed map.
6. What challenges might you face when reading a map?
7. How do contour lines indicate steepness in terrain?
8. Discuss the significance of key symbols on a map.
9. What information does a six-figure grid reference provide that a four-figure one does not?
10. How do geographical features affect human activity in Scarborough?
11. Describe the relationship between maps and geography.
12. What techniques can you use to remember grid references?
13. How does understanding maps help in emergency situations?
14. Compare the advantages of digital maps vs. paper maps.
15. Discuss how photography can complement map reading skills.
16. What are some historical changes you would expect to see in a place like Scarborough?
17. How do you think geography influences culture?
18. Why is it important to understand both the physical and human geography of a place?
19. How can maps help us understand environmental issues?
20. Reflect on how your view of geography has changed during this unit.

Answers

Easy Level Answers

1. [Your list of places]
2. Maps help us find our way and understand locations.
3. Latitude lines run east-west, and longitude lines run north-south.
4. The scale shows the ratio of map distance to real distance.
5. A grid reference helps you locate a specific place on a map.
6. OS stands for Ordnance Survey.
7. [Feature at grid reference 028896]
8. Maps can show you the best routes and landmarks.
9. A viewpoint is a location for looking out over a landscape.
10. Contour lines show changes in elevation.
11. [Feature near Scarborough]
12. Use the grid lines and coordinates to find locations.
13. Directions help us navigate and understand our surroundings.
14. Symbols represent features like parks or buildings.
15. [Feature from Photo B]
16. The top of the map usually indicates north.
17. [Country name on a world map]
18. A superstore is a large retail store.
19. OS maps provide detailed information about land use.
20. [Your favourite place description]

Medium Level Answers

1. Find latitude and longitude on the map and locate the intersection.
2. A scale of 1:10,000 shows less distance than 1:25,000.
3. A grid reference combines letters and numbers to pinpoint locations.
4. The western side has hills or cliffs based on contour lines.
5. Contour lines show elevation changes and slope steepness.
6. [Specific location at grid reference 039884]
7. The key explains what symbols on the map mean.
8. Maps help us visualize areas and navigate effectively.
9. [Geographical feature near Scarborough]
10. [Feature at grid reference 051893]
11. Learning about places helps us understand cultures and environments.
12. A superstore typically has a parking lot and a large building.
13. Photos show real-life representations of map locations.
14. The 4Ws help us gather information about places we study.
15. Viewpoints offer great views, important for tourists.
16. Six-figure references provide more precise locations than four-figure.
17. You can identify north by looking at the compass rose on the map.
18. Common symbols include trees, rivers, and roads.
19. [Feature from Photo B]
20. Geography helps us learn about our surroundings and communities.

Hard Level Answers

1. Larger scales show more detail while smaller scales show larger areas.
2. Grid references are essential for accurate navigation and mapping.
3. World maps show global features, while OS maps are more local and detailed.
4. Scarborough’s landscape can attract tourists to its beaches and attractions.
5. Creating a detailed map involves measuring distances and indicating features accurately.
6. Maps can be confusing due to symbols or unfamiliar grid systems.
7. The closer the contour lines, the steeper the slope.
8. Key symbols provide essential information to interpret the map correctly.
9. Six-figure references give a precise location within a grid square.
10. Geographical features like beaches can attract visitors, impacting local economy.
11. Maps are essential tools that help us study the world.
12. Use mnemonic devices to remember grid references.
13. Maps can help find exits and safe routes during emergencies.
14. Digital maps are easily updated and often more interactive than paper maps.
15. Photography shows real views and can help in visualising map features.
16. You might see development or conservation efforts in Scarborough over time.
17. Geography shapes traditions, food, and lifestyles in different regions.
18. Understanding both aspects helps us grasp the full picture of a location.
19. Maps can highlight pollution patterns or habitat loss.
20. My understanding of geography has grown in terms of map reading and place significance.

Feel free to adjust the specifics in the answers to suit your own investigations and experiences in the unit!