Track Your Trip
An Amtrak train crosses a bridge
Learn how to read a map and identify key cities, landmarks, rivers, state boundaries, and train routes; solve basic mathematical problems
OBJECTIVE
- Learn how to read a map and identify key cities, landmarks, rivers, state boundaries, and train routes
- Solve basic mathematical problems
MATERIALS
- Classroom Map
- Push pins
- Colored pencils
- Pen or pencil
REPRODUCIBLES
- Track Your Trip (PDF)
DIRECTIONS
1. Display the map in the classroom at a level where all students can view it and reach it.
2. Review the components of a map legend with the class (i.e., ordinal directions, legend, and scale measurement).
Ask Students: • Can you find three cities with a population between 50,000 and 150,000? • Which states border Illinois? • Which part of Illinois produces wheat? a) north; b) south; c) central; d) northwest3. Distribute Track Your Trip student reproducible 1 (PDF)to each student and read it aloud with the class.
4. Have students answer the questions by referencing the map.
(Answer Key: 1. c; 2. b; 3. d; 4. d; 5. a; 6. c.)
5. As a class, review students' answers.
Wrap-up:
Have students choose a location and track their own train routes. Have them think about the states they will travel through and the sites they will see along the way. Ask them to illustrate what they see as train passengers and write a paragraph that explains their drawings.
Amtrak ® is a registered service mark of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.
Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of Amtrak.
ARTICLE
UNIT PLAN
ONLINE ACTIVITY
