Texas TEKS 2.3.A

Social Studies2nd GradeGeography

The Standard

identify and use information on maps and globes using basic map elements such as title, cardinal directions, and legend

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Social Studies

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students read a map title to tell what the map shows. They use cardinal directions and the legend to locate places and explain symbols.
What Mastery Looks Like: Given an unfamiliar map, students explain its purpose and use the legend correctly. They describe one place in relation to another using north, south, east, or west.
Common Misconceptions: Students may reverse east and west or assume every map has north at the top. They may guess what symbols mean instead of checking the legend.
How to Assess It: Give students a simple park map. Ask them what the map shows, what one symbol means, and which direction the pond is from the playground.

Lesson moves

Create a classroom map with blocks, then add a title, compass rose, and legend for desks, doors, and shelves.
Show a neighborhood map and ask, "How do the title, compass rose, and legend help you find the library?"
Play Map Detective by giving pairs clue cards that require them to use symbols and cardinal directions to find locations.
Use a zoo or transit map and have students explain how a visitor could reach one marked place from another.

Free download

A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 2.3.A, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.

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

Keep exploring

Grade, subject, topic, and the complete standard are prefilled. Create one free, no account needed.