Grade Level

Grades 6 to 12

Time Required

50 to 90 minutes depending on grade level and level of computer comfort

Curriculum Connection

This lesson can be used in any grade and course as an introduction to the Atlas of Canada.

Link to Canadian National Geography Standards

Essential Element #1 – The World in Spatial Terms

• map types (topographic, navigational, thematic) – Grades 6 to 8
• map, globe and atlas use (observing and analyzing relationships) – Grades 9 to 12

Geographic Skill #2 – Acquiring Geographic Information

• use maps to collect and/or compile geographic information – Grades 6 to 8 skill

Atlas of Canada Resources

Go to the Atlas of Canada Web site found at: atlas.gc.ca The following parts of the Web site will be accessed by students during the lesson:

• Search Our Site (for the location of a place on a map)
• Explore Our Maps
• Map Archives
• Facts About Canada
• Quizzes

Additional Resources, Materials and Equipment

• print Atlases
• computer lab with Internet access and printer
• review the student worksheet An Introduction to the Online Atlas of Canada. It is the last section of this document.

Main Objective

The primary goal of the lesson is to introduce students to and allow them to navigate the online Atlas of Canada and enable students to compare in-print and online atlases.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

• access the Atlas of Canada Web site
• navigate the Atlas of Canada Web site with some confidence
• locate geographic names of places and physical features in Canada
• compare online atlases with in-print atlases
• find thematic maps in the Explore Our Maps section and experience interactive and non-interactive maps
• find specific information about Canada using the Get Info from Map tool for interactive maps
• use the Map Archives section to explore historical maps
• find specific facts about Canada using the Facts About Canada section
• test students’ knowledge about Canada using the interactive quizzes

Introduction

Teacher Activity

• review printed atlases with specific reference to the importance of smart atlas navigation, that is, the use of the table of content pages and index (gazetteer)

Student Activity

• answer questions about in-print atlases

Lesson Development

Teacher Activity

• introduce students to the Atlas of Canada through the Student Worksheet
• modify the student worksheet by deleting some or all of the steps, included with each task, to suit the skill level of the students

Student Activity

• students follow instructions and complete the worksheet

Conclusion

Teacher Activity

• go over the answers with the class

Student Activity

• answer questions on the worksheet

The student worksheet is printed separately for distribution to students.

• Student Worksheet – An Introduction to the Online Atlas of Canada

Follow-up with a lesson exploring the interactive maps in the Atlas of Canada to illustrate the value of online atlases.

• teachers can assess the students’ answers by marking the worksheet
• evaluate follow-up lesson, if assigned

• PDF version (Adobe Acrobat Reader required)