KS1 - Mapping

This outdoor geography unit transforms map skills into active, memorable adventures. From building large-scale maps with natural materials to creating their own compasses and navigating using aerial photographs, children will develop directional language, compass skills, and an understanding of map symbols through movement and collaboration. Each lesson blends hands-on exploration with real-world application, making geography engaging, practical, and fun.

Lesson Plans

Constructing maps

Have your children use their interactions with nature in your outdoor space to construct large scale maps. This is an engaging outdoor lesson that also combines well with journey stories in English.

Learning objective:

To construct a simple map.

Constructing symbols in a key

Using their own experiences of following a map of your own outdoor space, this practical outdoor lesson will give your children the opportunity to build their understanding of the purpose of map symbols.

Learning objective:

To construct basic symbols in a key.

Using compass directions to describe a route

During this outdoor lesson your children will use nature and a nifty trick to make their own compass! They’ll then focus on compass points and route creation through activities that involve movement and collaboration around your own outdoor space.

Learning objective:

To use simple compass directions to describe a route.

Using compass directions to locate features

Combining an exciting outdoor game and hands-on experiences, this outdoor lesson gives your children the opportunity to deepen their understanding of directional language and compass points to navigate a map.

Learning objective:

To use simple compass directions to locate features.

Using aerial photographs

Have your children apply the navigational skills learned throughout this unit, using aerial photographs to investigate the human and physical features of your outdoor space. A easy to prepare outdoor lesson that your children will remember!

Learning objective:

To use aerial photographs of familiar areas to identify features.

Before you get started

Safety and suistanability is super important!