Brief Description Objectives Materials and Resources Activity Description Internet Resources

• Grade level: Upper Elementary

• Subject Area: Math, Social Studies

Brief Description

    Students use atlases, maps, and Web resources to determine the distance, driving time, and amount of money they will need to make the trip (estimates should include hotel/motel stays, meals, and souvenirs).
Objectives

    Students will:

• Gain practice reading maps.
• Practice math skills in a meaningful context.

Materials and Resources

    In developing our lessons and activities, we made some assumptions about the hardware and software that would be available in the classroom for teachers who visit the LETSNet Website. We assume that teachers using our Internet-based lessons or activities have a computer with the necessary hardware components (mouse, keyboard, and monitor) as well as a World Wide Web browser. In the section below, we specify any "special" hardware or software requirements for a lesson or activity (in addition to those described above) and the level of Internet access required to do the activity.

1. Special hardware requirements: None.
2. Special software requirements: None.
3. Classroom materials: Current United States road maps and atlases; paper and colored pencils, markers or crayons.
4. Internet access: A medium-speed or higher connection.

Activity Description

• Have students use maps, atlases, and Web resources to determine the best route to take to get from their home towns to the destination they have chosen (see Internet Resources below).

• Have the students plan an itinerary, in which they estimate driving times each day, including times to stop and rest, sightsee, or eat, and costs for gas, food, lodging, and souvenirs.

Internet Resources

• DeLorme: CyberRouter
  [http://route.delorme.com/]
  Users of this site can enter a starting point and a final destination and receive a detailed itinerary, including driving times, distances, roads, and nearby towns and cities.

• MapQuest
  [http://www.mapquest.com]
  This site also provides itineraries, including maps of different sections of the trip.

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