Grade 3geographyOriginal practice

Use a Map Key and Grid Reference

Connect a map key and labeled grid references without assuming real-world scale. A complete set with exploration, practice and application. Use the linked unit for the learning sequence and teaching guide.

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Independent activity · About 25 minutes · Pencil

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Grade 3 · social studies

Use a Map Key and Grid Reference

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Grade 3 · social studies · continued

Use a Map Key and Grid Reference

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An invented park key

Invented practice data or scenario; not a report of a real study.

Grid references use row then column, each starting at 1. T means tree, W means water station and B means bench.

Use the material to work through each task. Show the requested response.

1.What does W represent?

2.What is at row 2, column 1?

3.How many benches are shown?

4.Give the two water station references.

5.Why is the key needed before interpreting the letters?

6.Can this key alone tell how many meters separate two places?

Grade 3 · social studies · Answer key

Use a Map Key and Grid Reference

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Open responses use criteria and an illustrative response. Other well-supported responses can be acceptable.

Grade 3 · social studies · Answer key · continued

Use a Map Key and Grid Reference

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An invented park key

Invented practice data or scenario; not a report of a real study.

Grid references use row then column, each starting at 1. T means tree, W means water station and B means bench.

Use the material to work through each task. Show the requested response.

1.What does W represent?

Answer: water station

2.What is at row 2, column 1?

Answer: a water station

3.How many benches are shown?

Answer: 3

4.Give the two water station references.

Answer: (2, 1) and (3, 3)

5.Why is the key needed before interpreting the letters?

Look for

Connects a symbol and its defined meaning.

One possible response: The same letter could stand for different features on another map.

6.Can this key alone tell how many meters separate two places?

Look for

Distinguishes a key from a scale.

One possible response: No; a distance scale is also needed.

About this practice

Grade 3 · social studies · Matching answer key included · US Letter and A4

US Letter practice PDF ↓ · Answer PDF ↓A4 practice PDF ↓ · Answer PDF ↓

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Use a Map Key and Grid Reference: first student practice page

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Teaching guide, sample answers and curriculum references

Before you begin

Review the key words and representations in Use a Map Key and Grid Reference. Use the Explore activity to check readiness before removing support.

How to use this worksheet

Begin with: What does W represent?
Connect the response to: How many benches are shown?
Ask students to apply the idea: Why is the key needed before interpreting the letters?

A common mistake to discuss

Accepting an answer without checking whether it uses the material and satisfies the requested relationship or criteria.

What to practice next

Continue to Use a Map Key and Grid Reference: Apply and Create.

Invented practice data or scenario; not a report of a real study.

Published 2026-10-04; updated 2026-10-04. Original MakeWorksheet practice. Automated consistency checks support publication; independent subject-specialist review is not recorded. Read our editorial policy.

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Use a Map Key and Grid Reference: Apply and Create

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Connect a map key and labeled grid references without assuming real-world scale. A focused apply activity. Use the linked unit for the learning sequence and teaching guide.

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Connect a map key and labeled grid references without assuming real-world scale. A focused learn activity. Use the linked unit for the learning sequence and teaching guide.

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