New York State Test Prep Social Studies 5 Content

Teacher Resource, South America map

This student activity provides students with practice using maps. This is not an introductory lesson.

Third grade social studies curriculum revolves around world communities. This activity focuses on the continent of South America. Whenever world communities are located on a map, students should first identify where they live on the map. This gives them a better sense of how the world is divided into communities and a way to locate other world communities, using prior knowledge.

A new unit, which focuses on another country or continent, should always begin with a way to activate prior knowledge so that students have something to link to when they learn new information. Then a map activity should follow, giving the students the knowledge of where this place is located. Before students are given the activity sheet and after prior knowledge has been activated, use a large pull down map and locate and discuss South America with the students. Now, they are ready for the map activity. This activity can be used as a center, with cooperative groups, or independently.

This activity requires the following materials:

Map of the world
Map of South America
Map packet

Click on the compass robe/globe and print a copy of the map activity for each student.

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