Exploring Ordnance Surveys

Curriculum Area

Geography National Curriculum for England
Key Stage 4 (Year 10)

Lesson Objectives

• To understand and interpret ordnance survey maps.
• To recognise and use map symbols, grid references, scale, and topographic features.
• To develop spatial thinking and analytical skills.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the lesson, students will:

1. Be able to read ordnance survey maps.
2. Identify and explain the significance of various map symbols.
3. Accurately use grid references and scales.
4. Describe different topographical features identified on maps.

Resources Needed

• Ordnance Survey maps of a local area.
• Whiteboard and markers.
• Rulers.
• Compasses.
• Map symbol reference charts.
• Printed worksheets (with grid reference exercises, map symbols, and topographical feature identification exercises).
• Projector for displaying maps.

Lesson Structure

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Welcome and Attendance Check (2 minutes)

   • Greet students and take attendance.

2. Lesson Introduction (3 minutes)

   • Introduce the topic by showing a large ordnance survey map on the projector.
   • Explain why map skills are essential in understanding geography.

3. Learning Objectives (2 minutes)

   • Explain the learning objectives and outcomes of the lesson.

4. Engagement Activity (3 minutes)

   • Ask students if they've ever used a map and to share their experiences.
   • Highlight the importance of maps in everyday life and geographical studies.

Main Activity (40 minutes)

1. Reading Ordnance Maps (10 minutes)

   • Teacher demonstrates how to read an ordnance survey map, focusing on map symbols, scales, and grid references.
   • Discuss common map symbols using the map symbol reference chart.

2. Hands-On Map Work (10 minutes)

   • Distribute the printed Ordnance Survey maps to each student.
   • Challenge students to find specific locations on the map using grid references and symbols.

3. Group Activity: Treasure Hunt (10 minutes)

   • Divide students into small groups.
   • Each group receives a worksheet with clues that lead to specific locations on their map.
   • Groups use map symbols and grid references to locate 'treasure' spots on the map.

4. Topographic Features Identification (10 minutes)

   • Teacher explains different topographical features like hills, valleys, rivers, and contour lines using the projector.
   • Students identify these features on their maps and discuss their importance in landscape analysis.

Conclusion (10 minutes)

1. Group Presentations (5 minutes)

   • Each group presents their findings from the treasure hunt activity.
   • Discuss the significance of the locations they found.

2. Q&A Session (3 minutes)

   • Open the floor for questions and clarifications.

3. Recap and Reinforcement (2 minutes)

   • Summarise the key points of the lesson.
   • Distribute a quick quiz worksheet with questions on map symbols, grid references, and topographical features to reinforce learning.

Homework

• Assign a project where students map out their local neighbourhood using grid references, symbols, and scales, and identify key topographical features.

Assessment

• Observe student participation and map work during the class.
• Review the treasure hunt and group presentations for understanding.
• Evaluate the quick quiz worksheet and assigned homework to assess individual comprehension and skills application.