Maps Getting to Know Your World!

4 Elements Of A Map Title – tells you what the map is of Scale – tells distance Compass – tells direction Legend – tells what the symbols mean Many maps will have other parts to them, but all maps need these to understand the map's purpose

Physical Maps Most maps have physical features that are important Wilson is where it is because of physical features To Google earth!

Parts of a Physical Map Water

Rivers Fresh water with a current moving either toward an ocean or a sea These were the highways of the world for 3000 years

Lakes Large bodies of fresh water Many cities were founded near lakes for the food they provide

Sea A large body of salt water, sometimes connected with an ocean, sometimes inland A great source for food and travel

Delta When a river splits into smaller rivers before it reaches the ocean Perfect for growing crops

Ocean A large body of water covering most of the globe. There are 4 oceans but they are all interconnected

Parts of a Physical Map Land

Mountains Large rocky earth formations Cities used them to mine for resources and for protection

Forest Groupings of trees found throughout the world. Perfect for food, building material and protection

Taiga A cold weather forest of mostly pines. These are the most common forests in the world

Jungle A tropical forest Poor soil made these areas poor for farming so hunter- gatherer cultures developed here

Tundra Cold areas of the world such as Siberia and northern Canada where the ground remains frozen most of the year

Plains Grassland areas perfect for farming and grazing

Desert Any area in which few forms of life can exist because of lack of water, permanent frost, or absence of soil.

Valley An area between 2 mountain ranges usually formed by a river. Perfect for farming and protection

Swamp A lowland area where water drains to Few societies developed around swamp due to disease from mosquitoes

Plateau Areas of sudden higher elevation usually in a plains region Societies often developed around these for the excellent protection they offered

Never Eat Soggy Waffles MAPS DO NOT HAVE A LEFT, RIGHT, UP, AND DOWN!!!!!!!!

Elements of a Map Title: Why a title? Isn’t it obvious what the map shows? Legend: What information does this provide? Scale: What information does this provide? Why is it important? Compass: Why is orientation important?

Political Maps Political maps show the borders of countries, states, provinces, counties, or towns.

Elements of a Political Map Countries Provinces/States Cities Resources Population Any relevant statistical information Political maps give us the information we need to understand a country or region Most maps you will see are political

Continent Large landmasses that contain multiple countries *Exception: Australia has only one country

World Continents and Oceans

Objectives You will be able to: –Name each of the seven continents, and the five oceans –Locate each of the continents and oceans on a map

North America North America is made up of four countries; Greenland, Canada, USA, and Mexico There are three Oceans that touch North America, The Arctic to the North, The Pacific to the West, and the Atlantic to the East.

South America South America is made up of twelve countries. The Pacific Ocean borders South America to the West, and the Atlantic to the East.

Europe Europe is made up of forty-eight countries. The Atlantic Ocean is Europe’s western border. The Arctic Ocean is north of Europe.

Asia Asia is made up of numerous countries, the largest of which include Russia, China, and India. The Pacific Ocean lies to the east, while the Indian Ocean falls on the southwest.

Africa Africa is made up of fifty-three countries. Africa is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Indian Ocean to the East.

Australia Australia as a continent includes the mainland of Australia along with Tasmania and many of the Islands throughout the Pacific Ocean. The Indian Ocean borders the west and south, while the Pacific is on the east.

Antarctica Antarctica is made of five regions and one island Chain. The Ocean surrounding Antarctica has been recently renamed as the Southern Ocean.

The Oceans A very large expanse of salt water, in particular, each of the main areas into which the sea is divided geographically

The Oceans The Pacific Ocean stretches 64,186,000 square miles and has an average depth of 15,215 feet. The Atlantic Ocean stretches 33,420,000 square miles and has an average depth of 12,881 feet. The Indian Ocean stretches 28,350,000 square miles and has an average depth of 13,002 feet.

The Oceans (cont’d) The Arctic Ocean stretches 5,106,000 square miles and has an average depth of 3,953 feet. The Southern Ocean stretches 7,848,300 square miles and has an average depth of 13, ,400 feet.

Summary You have learned a little about each of the seven continents and five oceans. At the end of this presentation, you will fill in a blank world map.

Country A nation with its own government, occupying a particular territory, or piece of a continent. Do you remember which country is also a continent?

State/Province A piece of a country These were organized to help make ruling large countries easier

City An area of a country with dense population Most people in the world live in cities