Maps, keys and directions
A map is a drawing of a place seen from above. It shows where things are. A map has a key, which explains the colours and symbols. For example, a blue line may mean a river and a dot may mean a city. Maps also show directions. The four main directions are north, south, east and west. On most maps north is at the top, south at the bottom, east on the right and west on the left. Look at the map of Egypt. Alexandria is on the Mediterranean coast in the north. Luxor is further south, so Luxor is south of Alexandria. Siwa is an oasis in the west, so Siwa is west of Luxor. The Nile flows from the south to the north. On a world map, a line called the equator runs round the middle of the Earth. Places near the equator are warm, and many rainforests grow near it. The rainforests of Africa are south of Egypt, so to travel from Egypt to an African rainforest you go south.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| blue line | river (the Nile) |
| round dot | city |
| coloured area | Egypt |
Draw a treasure map of your classroom or school yard. Decide which wall is north. Add a key with at least four symbols (for example a door, a tree, the tap and the treasure) and a compass with N at the top. Hide a small object. Write three clues that use directions and steps, such as “From the door go three steps east.” A partner follows your clues to find the treasure.