Four and Six Figure Grid References
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use four and six-figure grid references to locate features on an OS map accurately.
Key learning points
- Maps have grid lines that help us locate places on a map.
- Horizontal lines are called northings and vertical lines are called eastings.
- Each grid square has two sets of numbers, giving a four-figure grid reference.
- To increase location accuracy, features can be located using six-figure grid references.
Keywords
Northings - numbered horizontal lines found on maps
Eastings - numbered vertical lines found on maps
Grid reference - a number which combines northings and eastings to help you to locate a feature on an Ordnance Survey map
Common misconception
Northings come before eastings.
Eastings come first, then northings.
Teacher tip
Bring in an OS map so students can have a look at the gridlines on a physical OS map and see where they are labelled.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does OS stand for?
Q2.What do OS maps help us do?
Q3.Where can you find what the symbols mean on a map?
Q4.Which is the correct order?
Q5.What do you use to figure out the real life distance from looking at a map?
Q6.Which of these is not a map?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What are the faint blue lines called over the top of maps?
Q2.What are the vertical lines on a map called?
Q3.What are the horizontal lines on a map called?
Q4.Which do you find first when finding a four figure grid reference?
Q5.Which is true of six figure grid references?
Q6.Which of these is a six figure grid reference?
To help you plan your 7 geography lesson on: Four and Six Figure Grid References, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 geography lesson on: Four and Six Figure Grid References, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 geography lessons from the Geography: what makes a geographer? unit, dive into the full secondary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.