In this lesson, students are introduced to map scales. They learn to understand how a map's scale represents large, real-world distances in smaller, manageable units of measurement. Using a hands-on approach, students cut out a map scale and apply it to calculate relative distances between different locations on an African map. This practical application tests their concept understanding and augments their measurement skills.

Think of a map scale as a tool that helps you figure out how far things are in real life by looking at a map! When you look at a map, you'll see a little line or bar with numbers, usually at the bottom. This is the map scale. It tells you how much distance on the map stands for a certain distance in the real world.