First Grade · History · week 10

Globe vs. map

Compare a globe and a map, describing what each one shows and when each one is useful.

A globe is a model of the whole Earth, shaped like a ball, just like Earth really is. A map is a flat picture that shows a place -- it could be the whole world, or just your street.

A globe and a map can show the SAME world in two different shapes. A globe is great for seeing how oceans and continents relate to each other. A map is great for showing one place up close.

📋 For the teacher
Teach it (10–15 min):
  • If you have a globe or an atlas at home, look at it together. If not, describe a globe or find a picture of one.
  • Spin the globe (or trace a flat world map with a finger) and find the ocean closest to your home.
  • Compare a world map to a map of one small place, like a zoo map or a park map, so the "zoom in" idea feels real.
  • Ask your child to guess: would an ant need a globe or a map of just your yard? Use it to reinforce scale.
Talk about it:
  • How are a globe and a map alike?
  • How are they different?
  • When would you use a globe, and when would you use a map?

Mastery looks like: They can correctly describe what a globe and a map each show, and give one good reason to use each one.

Common stumbles: Thinking a globe and a map show different places, rather than the same real world shown in two different shapes.

Homework for this lessonType it, write it with a stylus, or print it for pencil & paper.open →
Records attendance + 15 min of History for this learner.
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