Maps are really important for Year 1 geography studies. Two key parts of maps are the scale and the legend (or key). They help us understand maps better.

Scale

• What it is: The scale shows how distances on the map compare to real distances on the ground.
• How it looks: It can be written as a ratio (like 1:100,000) or shown with a graphic scale.
• Why it matters: The scale tells us, for example, that 1 cm on the map equals 1 km in real life, which helps students measure things accurately.

Legend (Key)

• What it is: The legend explains the symbols and colors on the map.
• What it does: It helps students know what different signs mean, like rivers, mountains, or city areas.
• Example: A blue line usually stands for a river, and green spots can show parks or forests.

Working Together

• How they help: The scale and legend work together to help students read the map correctly.
  • Example: If the scale shows that 5 cm on the map equals 5 km in real life, and the legend shows a symbol for a school, students can easily find the nearest school within that distance.

These parts of a map help students understand their surroundings and improve their map-reading skills, which are important for their learning.