Indiana Social Studies WG.1.4

Social StudiesGrades 9–12World in Spatial Terms

The Standard

Evaluate the applications of geographic tools (locational technologies) and supporting technologies to serve particular purposes.

2026 Indiana Academic Standards: K-12 Social Studies

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students choose geographic tools for a specific job, such as finding a safe route after a flood. They explain what GPS, maps, satellite images, and updated road data can tell them, and what each might miss.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student uses GPS to find a current position and a road map to plan a route. They check for recent closure reports rather than assuming the map shows which roads are open.
Common Misconceptions: Students may think GPS shows road closures, when it only gives a position. They may treat a satellite image as live or assume a map app needs cell service to use GPS.
How to Assess It: Exit ticket: Cell service is out after a flood. Choose two tools from a GPS receiver, a downloaded road map, and last month's satellite image to help a driver, then name one limit of each.

Lesson moves

Give pairs printed road and flood-zone maps; have them trace an evacuation route and mark where they need newer road information.
Ask: Would you trust yesterday's satellite image or a live road-closure report after a flood? Write two reasons for your choice.
Play tool match with cards naming tasks and tools, including GPS, satellite images, downloaded maps, and road-closure feeds; require a reason for each match.
Compare a local bus app with a printed timetable; ask students which shows scheduled arrivals and which can show a late bus.

Free download

A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to WG.1.4, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.

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