Understanding Map Symbols

Curriculum Area

Key Stage 3 (KS3) Geography – Map Skills
This lesson aligns with the National Curriculum for Geography in England, specifically focusing on developing students’ ability to use Ordnance Survey maps, atlases, and globes to interpret and understand geographical symbols and features.

---

Learning Objectives

By the end of this 15-minute lesson, students will:

1. Identify common Ordnance Survey (OS) map symbols.
2. Explain the purpose of symbols in geographical maps.
3. Apply their understanding by decoding symbols on a simplified OS map.

---

Lesson Structure (15 minutes total)

1. Teacher Input & Resources (5 minutes)

Resources Required:

• Printed copies of an OS map legend (symbols and their meanings).
• A simplified OS map of a local UK area (printed or displayed on a board).
• Mini whiteboards and pens (optional).

Teacher Explanation:
❖ Begin by posing a quick question: "Why do we use symbols instead of words on maps?"

• Encourage brief responses (time efficiency).
  ❖ Introduce the OS map legend, explaining that symbols represent real-world features (e.g., churches, forests, roads).
  ❖ Display or distribute a simple OS map and point to one feature at a time, asking students to locate it on the legend.
  ❖ Use a ‘Guess the Symbol’ challenge:
• Show a symbol; students raise their hand to guess before revealing the answer.

---

2. Student Task – Decoding a Map (5 minutes)

Task:

• Each student receives an extract of a simplified OS map with 5 circled symbols.
• Their job: Match each symbol to its meaning on the OS map legend and write a description (e.g., "This symbol represents a railway line").
• Extension question: Why do you think certain symbols are more prominent on maps?

Teacher Monitors:

• Walk around, observe answers, and provide quick feedback.

---

3. Discussion – Hinge Questioning (5 minutes)

Hinge Question:

• "If a map didn’t have symbols, what problems would that cause for people using it?"
• Follow-up: "Can you think of a real-world situation where understanding symbols is essential?"
  (e.g., emergency services, hikers, pilots).

❖ Conduct a 1-minute paired discussion before taking responses.
❖ Use eavesdropping to pick out insightful comments and prompt deeper thinking.
❖ Conclude with a quick review: “Who can name a symbol they didn’t know before today?”

---

Assessment & Differentiation

• Formative assessment: Observing participation in symbol recognition and task completion.
• Differentiation: Provide extra scaffolded worksheets or challenge students with tricky OS map symbols.

---

Teacher’s Reflection After Lesson

✔ Did students confidently identify symbols?
✔ Was the hinge question effective in prompting deeper thinking?
✔ Would an interactive game (e.g., symbol bingo) enhance engagement in future lessons?

---

This highly engaging, interactive approach ensures KS3 students not only recognise OS map symbols but understand their real-world application. A great way to introduce key mapping skills in a short timeframe!