Examples of Map Legends and Map Symbols (Plus Creative Tips and Project Ideas!)

Creative tips and projects for teaching students about legends (keys) on a map:

1. Create a scavenger hunt: Give students a map with a key and have them find different landmarks or features on the map. For example, you might ask them to find a park, a school, and a river. This is a fun way to get students engaged with maps and help them learn how to read legends.

2. Make your own map: Have students create their own maps of their school or neighborhood. They can include symbols for different features like buildings, parks, and roads. This is a great way to get students thinking about the different elements that go into making a map.

3. Use technology: There are many online tools that allow you to create custom maps with your own symbols and legends. Have students use these tools to create their own maps of their community or a fictional place.

4. Create a legend matching game: Create cards with different symbols from a map legend and have students match them to the correct definition. This is a fun way to help students learn the different symbols that might appear on a map.

5. Go on a field trip: Take your class on a field trip to a local park or nature reserve. Bring along maps with keys and have students identify different features on the map as you explore.

Examples of Map Legends and Symbols

Check out my FREE Map Project!

Raised Relief Map Project

Interested in a TED Talk Lesson about Maps? Check out my lesson!

"An Ever Evolving Map of Everything on Earth"