A map key defines the meaning of symbols, colors, or lines and may state how many objects or units each symbol represents. The learner uses this correspondence to interpret a simple map, distinguish represented features from the symbols themselves, and determine quantities by counting symbols or equal symbol values; complex scales, fractional units, and proportional map distances are not included.
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- Learn “Use a map key” with a detailed explanation of the concept
- Master “Use a map key” with unlimited, free practice problems
- Download (or modify) a free worksheet on Use a map key you can use at home or in class with practice problems that scaffold and explore “Use a map key” from different perspectives.
- Start working on adaptive units like “Data and Graphs - Advanced” or “Data and Graphs - Intro” that introduce, teach, or practice “Use a map key” to maximize your learning.
Detailed Explanation: Use a map key
A map key tells you what the symbols, colors, or lines on a map mean. Always check the key before counting.
Example
A park map uses this key:
- 🌳 = 2 trees
The map shows:
🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳
Step 1: Read the key.
Each 🌳 symbol stands for trees.
Step 2: Count the symbols.
There are 🌳 symbols.
Step 3: Find the total.
Each symbol represents trees, so:
There are 8 trees in the park.
Learn by doing: Use a map key
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Your results
Practice with unlimited practice problems
Practice:
Graphing - Pictogram (Multiples) - Total of Series
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Download/Modify Free Grade 2 'Use a map key' Worksheet
Print this free 'Use a map key' worksheet to practice this skill away from the computer. Click 'Modify' to easily customize this worksheet to your exact needs.
This Worksheet Includes:
- Graphing - Pictogram (Multiples) - Total of Series
- Graphing - Pictogram (Multiples) - Difference of Two
- Graphing - Pictogram (Multiples) - Sum of Two
- Graphing - Pictogram (Multiples) - Read Value
Units Teaching This Skill
These adaptive units introduce, teach, or reinforce this skill (Use a map key) through scaffolded problems that grow in difficulty as concepts are understood.