CurriculumGrade 2Science

Earth's Surface and Maps

Aligned to 2-ESS2 — Next Generation Science Standards.

What this lesson teaches

Earth's surface has many shapes — mountains, rivers, plains — and we can represent these places using maps and models.

Worked example

A map of a park uses symbols: blue for the pond, green for grass, and lines for paths, showing where things are.

Practice questions

  1. What might blue stand for on a map?
  2. Name a landform you've seen.
  3. Why are maps useful?

Watch the lesson

Every lesson comes with a video taught in English and Spanish — the same video the QR code in the printed workbook opens.

▶ Watch this lesson

En español

La Superficie de la Tierra y los Mapas

La superficie de la Tierra tiene muchas formas — montañas, ríos, llanuras — y podemos representar estos lugares usando mapas y modelos.

Ejemplo: Un mapa de un parque usa símbolos: azul para el estanque, verde para el pasto y líneas para los caminos, mostrando dónde está cada cosa.

More Earth & Space Science lessons

Slowing Wind and Water2-ESS2-1Where Is Water?2-ESS2-3

Teach this lesson today

An AI tutor that guides with questions instead of just giving answers — all K–12 core subjects, every child in the family.

Start free — no card required