Grade 2 · Social Studies · Geography

2nd Grade Map Symbols and Keys worksheets

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Map Symbols and Keys

Grade 2 Social Studies Worksheet - Challenge Me

NameDate

Circle the answer.

1.
Start at the Park. Walk west to the School, then walk south to the end. Where do you stop?
- Home
- School
- Store
2.
You walk straight from the Park to the School. Which place do you pass on the way?
Use the picture in question 1.
- Hill
- Store
- Park
3.
Why does a map have a key?
- to show how far places are
- to show which way is north
- to tell what each symbol means
4.
How many symbols are in the map key?
- 5
- 4
- 3
5.
Which way do you walk to get from the School to the Hill?
Use the picture in question 4.
- west
- east
- south
6.
Start at the School. Walk south to the Store, then walk east to the end. Where do you stop?
Use the picture in question 4.
- Park
- Hill
- Home

2nd Grade Map Symbols and Keys worksheet 1 – printable PDF — Download PDF: 1 2 3 4 5 6

About this worksheet

Maps use symbols, labels, keys, and directions to represent real places in a smaller space. Second graders may recognize a school icon but forget to check the key, or they may treat a symbol as a decoration rather than evidence. This worksheet asks students to use the map key directly. They find places by corner and by walking along the map, and explain what the key and compass rose are for.

Questions use position and direction: which place is in a corner, which place a straight walk reaches, and what the key and compass rose are for. Support versions use one straight walk. Challenge versions use a larger map and walks with a turn. Encourage your child to read the key first, find the matching symbol, and then use the label or compass clue to support the answer.

What your child will learn

Use a map key to decode symbols
Match map symbols with community places
Use labels and positions as evidence
Read a simple compass clue

C3 Framework standard: D2.Geo.1.K-2

Worked example

If the key shows a school icon, find that icon on the map and read the nearby label to locate the school.

Common mistake

Guessing a symbol from its picture without checking the map key.

Helpful hint

Read the key, then match the symbol and label.

Next skill: Landforms and Bodies of Water Earlier: Rights and Responsibilities

Questions parents ask

What is the most common mistake with map symbols and keys?

Guessing a symbol from its picture without checking the map key.

How can I help my child with map symbols and keys?

Read the key, then match the symbol and label.

Are these 2nd grade social studies worksheets free to print?

Yes. All 6 printable versions on this page are free to download and print, with no account needed.

More 2nd grade geography

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