Maps and Globes

Grade 1 · Social Studies · Study Guide

Learn how maps and globes show us where places are in the world.

A map is a flat drawing that shows what a place looks like from above, like a bird flying high in the sky. Maps can show streets in your neighborhood, states in a country, or all the countries in the world. A globe is a round model of Earth. It looks like a ball because Earth is shaped like a sphere.

Maps and globes both show the same Earth, but in different ways. Maps are flat and easy to carry, while globes are round and show the true shape of our planet. Both show important things like land and water. Large areas of land are called continents and large areas of water are called oceans. Earth has 7 continents and 5 oceans.

Maps use special tools to help us read them. A map key (also called a legend) explains what the symbols and colors on the map mean. A compass rose shows directions: North, South, East, and West. These tools help us find places and understand what we are looking at. Knowing how to read a map is a super useful skill!

Key terms

Map
A flat drawing that shows what a place looks like from above.
Globe
A round model shaped like a ball that shows all of Earth.
Map Key (Legend)
A box on a map that explains what the symbols and colors mean.
Compass Rose
A symbol on a map that shows the four directions: North, South, East, and West.
Continent
One of the seven large areas of land on Earth.

Flashcards

Map
A flat drawing showing a place from above.
Globe
A round ball-shaped model of Earth.
Map Key / Legend
Explains what symbols and colors on a map mean.
Compass Rose
Shows North, South, East, and West on a map.
Continent
One of the 7 large land areas on Earth.
Ocean
One of the 5 large bodies of water on Earth.
North
The direction toward the top of most maps.
South
The direction toward the bottom of most maps.

Questions

  1. What is a globe?

    1. A flat map on paper
    2. A round model of Earth
    3. A street sign
    4. A picture of a city
    Show answer

    Answer: A round model of Earth

    A globe is a round, ball-shaped model of Earth that shows the true shape of our planet.

  2. A map key helps you understand what the symbols on a map mean.

    Show answer

    Answer: True

    The map key (or legend) is a guide that explains what each symbol, color, or marking on the map represents.

  3. What does a compass rose show on a map?

    1. The weather
    2. The directions North, South, East, and West
    3. The names of cities
    4. How far apart places are
    Show answer

    Answer: The directions North, South, East, and West

    A compass rose shows the four main directions on a map: North, South, East, and West.

  4. Large areas of land on Earth are called ___.

    Show answer

    Answer: continents

    Earth has 7 continents — large areas of land. They are Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, Australia, and Antarctica.

  5. How is a map different from a globe?

    1. A map is round; a globe is flat.
    2. A map shows only oceans.
    3. A map is flat; a globe is round.
    4. A map and a globe are exactly the same.
    Show answer

    Answer: A map is flat; a globe is round.

    A map is flat (like a piece of paper) while a globe is round (like a ball). Both show Earth, just in different forms.

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