Official Rules for the Classroom Map-Symbol Challenge
The Classroom Map-Symbol Challenge is a fast-paced partner game designed to test your ability to read physical and political maps accurately. Working in teams of two, players will race against another pair to locate geographical features, cultural landmarks, and boundaries using only a paper map and its printed legend. Review the following instructions carefully before the game clock begins.
Required Materials
Each table group requires specific equipment before play begins:
- One standard state or regional fold-out paper map.
- One official map legend card containing thirty unique symbols (such as contour lines, state capital stars, marshlands, and railway lines).
- Two colored dry-erase markers (fine-tip) and one felt eraser.
- A deck of forty "Symbol Match" prompt cards.
- One two-minute sand timer.
- One score sheet and pencil.
Team Roles and Rotation
Each two-player team must assign the following roles before Round 1. Roles must switch at the conclusion of every three rounds so that each partner practices both tasks.
- legend:
- An explanatory table or list of symbols used on a map.
- coordinates:
- A set of numbers or letters used to locate an exact point on a grid.
- topographic:
- Relating to the physical features and shape of the land's surface.
- contour lines:
- Lines drawn on a map that connect points of equal elevation.
- dispute:
- A disagreement or argument between opposing sides.
- cartographer:
- A person who designs, draws, or produces maps.
One passage, many ways to practice
Reading-skill questions, word work and writing prompts — all built from this text.
Main Idea
Identify the central idea and explain how important details develop it.
Context Clues
Use clues in the passage to work out what words mean. A separate printable Vocabulary worksheet is also available.
Summarize
Select, organize, and restate the most important information without adding opinion.
Purpose
Analyze what the author aims to do and how choices serve audience and purpose.
Structure
Analyze how sections and organizational choices build the text's ideas or effects.
Writing Prompts
Use the passage as a springboard for short written responses, from personal reflection to evidence-based arguments.
Ready to use this passage in class?
Start free with the Mixed worksheet and 3 PDF downloads each week. Focused skill sets depend on plan.
Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What is the main objective of the Classroom Map-Symbol Challenge?
- 2How often do team members switch roles during the game, and why?
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About this instructions passage for 5th Grade
“Official Rules for the Classroom Map-Symbol Challenge” is a instructions reading passage about Map-reading game rules, written for 5th Grade. It takes about 4 minutes to read (657 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.