Map Skills Worksheet – Scale & Legend Practice

Use a map legend to work out what the symbols on a map represent

Use a map scale to estimate the distance between two places

Answer questions about a map in writing, choosing the right tool for each question

Model how to compare a route with the five-mile scale bar before students work independently.

Provide a ruler or strip of paper to help students compare map distances.

Follow with a familiar local map to practice using another legend and scale.

Reading a map legend — students match the symbols printed on the map to what they stand for before they can answer where something is.

Using a map scale — distance questions require converting the printed scale bar into real distance rather than counting squares.

Written short-answer response — all seven items are answered in writing, so children have to state what they found as well as find it.