Learning about maps ... and some distractions

"It's all just so hilarious!"

We are enjoying learning about maps thanks to the Ordnance Survey Landranger map of our local area plus easy to follow instructions and lesson ideas, quizzes etc which we received free recently (available for all year 7 children).

We've been understanding and looking for symbols on our map (although most of it is pretty flat with marshland, not a lot of symbols!) and we also studied an AA road guide which had lots of interesting things to pick out. We've designed our own maps and symbols too.

We've checked out some of the names of villages, drains, mudflats (there's one called "Breast") and even the farms which make for interesting reading and had a look at measuring distance using pieces of wool and a ruler.

Katie and Ben have also chosen a very small section of road map to cut out and copy onto card as a collage. Some lovely detailed art work.

Ben's road infested Norwich... and Katie's calm Scottish moutains.

Today we did some work with the compass and made our own one for the garden using stones painted to show some of the things we love about our home and garden. Katie and Ben also used the compass to work out in which direction various windows in the house face. Hoping to do some orienteering when summer reaches us.

Our compass around the plum tree.


Wren on NW, Landrover on NE and a horse on E

Going to tackle scale, grids, longitude and latitude next - probably the hardest and most interesting part of it all!

We had a few distractions along the way from visiting puss-cats. The white cat which we've nicknamed "Kandar" just loved the maps spread out on the snug floor, scooting under and over them! Our other little visitor (nicknamed "Storm") is becoming quite a regular to our house. He just loves to sleep and roll all over the PC whenever we're trying to work. He has a white moustache and looks fab in a photo.