Indiana Social Studies 2.G.5

Social Studies2nd GradeGeography

The Standard

On a map, identify physical features of the local community, and how seasons may or may not impact those features.

2026 Indiana Academic Standards: K-12 Social Studies

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students find natural features, such as streams, hills, or ponds, on a map of their community. They tell what might change with the seasons and what stays in place.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student points to a natural feature on a local map and names it, without confusing it with a road or building. They can explain that a pond may freeze in winter but remains in the same place.
Common Misconceptions: Students may count roads and playgrounds as natural features. They may think a pond disappears when it freezes or that every feature changes shape each season.
How to Assess It: On a local map, circle one natural feature and name it. Write one way it might look different in winter, or explain what stays the same.

Lesson moves

Give pairs a printed local map and sticky notes; have them label a natural feature and add a note about its winter appearance.
Point to a natural feature on the local map and ask, 'What could change in winter? What would still be there?'
Play Natural or Built: point to spots on a local map while students hold up N for natural features or B for built places.
Have students name a natural feature they pass on the way to school, find it on a local map, and describe its winter appearance.

Free download

A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 2.G.5, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.

PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.

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