Scale and distance on OS maps
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use maps at different scales to investigate an area and measure distances.
Key learning points
- The scale of a map explains how large an area shown on the map is in real life.
- Small-scale maps show a large area but have little detail, e.g. a world map.
- Large-scale maps show a smaller area in more detail, e.g. a town or local area.
- A scale bar shows how distances between areas in real life compare with the distances shown on a map.
Keywords
Scale - shows what size the area that is represented in the map really is
Key - explains what the different symbols, marks and colours used on the map mean
Symbol - a mark, shape or abbreviation that represents a landmark, feature or area of a map, diagram or drawing
Common misconception
OS maps all use the same scale.
OS maps have different scales.
Teacher tip
Bring different OS maps in to show the students.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does the scale on a map show?
Q2.The smaller the scale of the map, the the area is in real life.
Q3.What does a map scale of 1:50 000 mean?
Q4.Which unit is most commonly used for measuring long distances on maps?
Q5.There are centimetres in 1 kilometre.
Q6.On an OS map, what compass direction is always at the top of the map?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Why is accuracy important when measuring distance on a map?
Q2.What does a map scale of 1:100 000 mean?
Q3.Match the key terms with their definitions.
how large an area shown on the map is in real life
maps show a large area but have little detail, e.g. a world map
maps show a smaller area in more detail, e.g. a town or local area
how real distances between areas compare with distances on the map
Q4.Where would you find the scale ratio on an OS map?
To help you plan your 7 geography lesson on: Scale and distance on OS maps, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 geography lesson on: Scale and distance on OS maps, 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.
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