Grade 3 - Social Studies

Grade 3 Cardinal Directions and Map Keys Worksheet

6 printable versions - Building Confidence - About 9 minutes each

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Cardinal Directions and Map Keys

Grade 3 - Social Studies - Building Confidence

Worksheet 1

  1. A map shows the library north of the park. Which direction is used?

  2. If the fire station is south of the city hall, where is the city hall from the fire station?

  3. What does the map key show if a cross icon means hospital?

  4. Which map tool helps tell that the library is north of the park?

  5. Which statement correctly uses the map symbol "star icon"?

  6. A map shows the hospital north of the bank. Which direction is used?

  7. If the museum is west of the river, where is the river from the museum?

  8. What does the map key show if a helmet icon means fire station?

  9. Which map tool helps tell that the museum is west of the river?

  10. Which statement correctly uses the map symbol "helmet icon"?

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About this worksheet

Cardinal directions and map keys help readers describe location and understand symbols on maps helps third graders connect civic, geographic, historical, economic, and cultural ideas to evidence from everyday communities. Students may use left or right from their own view instead of north, south, east, or west shown on the map. This worksheet uses short, concrete situations instead of broad recall questions. Students identify directions, use map-key symbols, compare opposite directions, and connect landmarks with map evidence. Support versions use familiar school and neighborhood examples. Standard and challenge versions add closer distractors and require more careful comparison. Encourage your child to read the situation first, name the social studies idea being tested, and then choose the answer that fits the evidence. If an answer sounds reasonable but does not match the title skill or the details in the prompt, it is a distractor. That habit builds stronger reasoning for maps, timelines, sources, communities, and economic choices.

What your child will learn

  • Use north, south, east, and west
  • Read map symbols
  • Use a map key
  • Describe relative location

Worked example

If the library is north of the park, the park is south of the library.

Common mistake

Ignoring the compass rose and using personal left or right.

Helpful hint

Check the compass rose and the map key before answering.

Rights and ResponsibilitiesMap Scale and Regions

Questions parents ask

What is the most common mistake with cardinal directions and map keys?
Ignoring the compass rose and using personal left or right.
How can I help my child with cardinal directions and map keys?
Check the compass rose and the map key before answering.
Are these 3rd 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.

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