Application of Map Skills (Part 2)

Grade 10 · Geography

Semester 2 | Period 4 | Week 23

Download the Lessonotes Mobile Liberia app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.

Get it on Google Play Get it on the Apple App Store

Subject: Geography

Semester: 2

Period: 4

Week: 23

School Name: ___________________________
Teacher’s Name: _________________________
Subject: Geography
Grade Level: Grade 10
Date: _____________________
Lesson Duration: 45 minutes
Week & Period: Week 23, Period 4
Topic: Application of Map Skills (Part 2)
Sub-topic: Grid Reference, Latitude & Longitude, Compass & Bearing, Diagrams/Profiles/Sketches

 

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

  1. Identify positions of places using grid references (4-figure & 6-figure).
  2. Locate places using latitude and longitude.
  3. Determine directions using compass points and bearings.
  4. Construct simple diagrams, profiles, and sketch maps from given survey/map data.

 

Previous Knowledge

Students have learned how to:

  • Use scales to reduce/enlarge maps.
  • Calculate ground distances, areas, and gradients.

 

Instructional Materials

  • Atlas & topographic maps
  • Chalkboard/whiteboard
  • Ruler, protractor & compass
  • Transparent overlays/graph paper
  • Chalkboard sketches of grid, lat/long, compass

 

Lesson Development – ABC Model

A – Anticipation (Starter / Warm-up)

Time: 5–7 minutes

Teacher’s Questions:

  1. “If I give you the coordinates (4,6), what comes to mind?”
  2. “When you look at Google Maps, do you notice numbers like 6°N, 10°E?”
  3. “How do sailors and pilots find their direction at sea or in the air?”

Learners’ Role:

  • Share prior knowledge of coordinates and directions.
  • Relate to real-life experiences (using phone map, compass, GPS).

 

B – Building Knowledge (Main Lesson Body)

Time: 25–30 minutes

  1. Grid System
  • Definition: Squares on a map formed by eastings (vertical lines) and northings (horizontal lines).
  • Types:
    • 4-figure reference – locates a square (e.g., 2345).
    • 6-figure reference – more accurate, locates a point (e.g., 234567).
  • Example: Point A lies at grid reference 2418.

Activity: Students locate given features on the map using 4- and 6-figure references.

 

  1. Latitudes and Longitudes
  • Latitude: Horizontal imaginary lines (0° – Equator, 90° – Poles).
  • Longitude: Vertical imaginary lines (0° – Greenwich Meridian, 180° – International Date Line).
  • Use: To locate precise positions globally.
  • Example: Monrovia ≈ 6°19′N, 10°48′W.

Activity: Students use atlas to find positions of given towns.

 

  1. Determining Directions
  • Compass Points: 8- and 16-point compass (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW).
  • Bearings: Angles measured clockwise from north (0°–360°).
    • Example: If town B is east of town A → bearing = 90°.
    • Example: If town C is southwest → bearing ≈ 225°.

Activity: Students measure bearings between two towns on a given map using protractors.

 

  1. Designing Diagrams, Profiles & Sketches
  • Diagrams: Simplified drawings to show relief, drainage, or settlements.
  • Profiles: Side view of relief drawn from a line (transect) across a map.
  • Sketch maps: Rough maps showing major features.

Steps in Drawing a Profile:

  1. Draw a baseline across the chosen line (AB).
  2. Drop perpendiculars from contour intersections.
  3. Plot heights on vertical scale.
  4. Connect points smoothly to show relief.

Activity: Teacher demonstrates a simple profile drawing on the board.

 

C – Consolidation (Conclusion & Assessment)

Time: 5–8 minutes

Teacher’s Summary:

  • Grid references help to find positions on topographic maps.
  • Latitudes and longitudes locate global positions.
  • Compass & bearings are used to describe direction.
  • Profiles and sketches represent relief and other features.

Assessment (Exit Questions):

  1. Differentiate between 4-figure and 6-figure grid references.
  2. State the latitude and longitude of Liberia.
  3. What is the bearing of East from North?
  4. List the steps in drawing a relief profile.

 

Assignment

  1. Locate the following grid references on your school’s topographic map: 2714, 3256.
  2. Find the latitude and longitude of Accra, Ghana.
  3. On a map, measure the bearing of point B (church) from point A (school).
  4. Draw a simple profile along the line PQ on the given contour map (attach in exercise book).

 

Differentiation / Inclusive Strategies

  • Struggling Learners: Focus on 4-figure grids before 6-figure.
  • Advanced Learners: Given complex bearings and full relief profiles.
  • Learners with Disabilities: Provide enlarged grid and contour diagrams for ease of interpretation.

 

Teacher’s Reflection (After Class)

  • Were students able to accurately use 6-figure grid references?
  • Did they understand bearings vs compass directions?
  • Did they manage to sketch a profile without confusion?