Grades 2–5
Kinds of Maps
Match 7 kinds of maps, from road maps and weather maps to physical, political and transit maps, to what each one shows.
Social studies worksheet · Maps and cardinal directions
Zoo Map Grid
A 6 by 6 lettered zoo map: find what is in each square, write the square for each animal and follow directions from one exhibit to another.
- Grade level
- Grades 2–4
- Time
- About 20 minutes
- Answer key
- Yes, page 2 of the PDF
- Kids practice
- Map skills, Cardinal and intermediate directions, Grids and coordinates, Map keys and scale
What kids do
“Every square on the zoo map has a letter and a number, like B3. Find the letter on top and the number on the side. Row 1 is the north edge.”
Printed on the sheet:
- 7. Start at the penguins. Go 2 squares east. What do you find?
- 8. Start at the monkeys. Go 1 square south and 1 square east. What do you find?
Words on this sheet
Gift shopSnakesLionsMonkeysSnack barBearsPondZebras
Teacher tip
Remind kids: letter on top, number on the side.
How to use it
- Look at a real map of your town or school together first.
- Show a map on the document camera and model one question.
- Use finished sheets for a quick gallery walk or a partner share.
Watch for
Kids who think north means “up” on any page. Turn the map and talk about it.
Talk about it
- How would you give a friend directions to your house?
- How does this connect to where we live?
Take it further
Make a class map of the playground with a key.
US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.
More maps and cardinal directions worksheets
Grades 2–5
From My Home to School
Kids draw a route map from home to school with landmarks along the way, then write step-by-step directions using north, south, east and west.
Grades 1–3
Directions in My Classroom
A hands-on compass page: kids find north in their classroom, then record and draw what is on the north, south, east and west sides of the room.
Grades 2–4
Map Words: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in 6 missing geography words (map, globe, compass rose, key, scale and equator) in a short paragraph, then use two of them in your own sentences.
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