Mastering Map Skills: OS Maps & Navigation
This lesson introduces Year 7 students to essential Ordnance Survey (OS) map skills. Students will learn how to navigate maps using compass points, interpret symbols, and master the 'along the corridor, up the stairs' method for grid references. The lesson concludes with applying scale to measure distances.
Learning objectives
- Identify and use the eight points of a compass.
- Interpret common Ordnance Survey map symbols using a key.
- Locate places on a map using 4-figure and 6-figure grid references.
- Calculate real-world distances using a linear scale.
Lesson plan (60 minutes)
Starter · 5 min
Do Now: Identify 5 items you would find on a map and what they represent.
Introduction · 15 min
Teacher-led explanation of the 4-figure and 6-figure grid reference system using the 'along the corridor' rule.
Guided Practice · 10 min
Guided practice: Finding specific symbols on an Ordnance Survey (OS) map extract and giving 4-figure references.
Independent Practice · 20 min
Differentiated worksheet activity: Students work through Support, Core, or Stretch tasks based on prior attainment.
Plenary/Assessment · 10 min
8-question multiple choice quiz to check for understanding.
Key vocabulary
- Eastings
- The vertical lines on a map that increase in value towards the East.
- Northings
- The horizontal lines on a map that increase in value towards the North.
- Key / Legend
- A list of symbols used on the map and what they represent.
- Contour Lines
- Lines on a map connecting points of equal height above sea level.
- Scale
- The ratio between the distance on a map and the actual distance on the ground.
Core worksheet (first questions)
- List the eight points of the compass starting from North and going clockwise.
- Explain the difference between Eastings and Northings.
- If a point is 2 tenths across square 47 81 and 5 tenths up, what is the 6-figure grid reference?
- What do the colours blue and green typically represent on an OS map?
Quiz (sample)
1. What are the vertical lines on a map called?
- A. Northings
- B. Eastings
- C. Scales
- D. Contours
2. Which of these is a valid 4-figure grid reference?
- A. 8247
- B. 4782
- C. 4080
- D. 7428
3. In a 6-figure grid reference, how much accuracy does the third and sixth digit provide?
- A. 1 kilometre
- B. 10 metres
- C. 100 metres
- D. 500 metres
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