Lesson Plan Title : Leprechaun Map

Age Range: Grade 3 through grade 5 (Elementary)

Overview and Purpose: In this activity, students are turned into leprechauns who are closely guarding their gold. They are so afraid of losing it that they create a map to make sure that they will never forget where it is.

Objective: The student will be able to create a leprechaun map that shows where their pot of gold is hidden.

Resources:

Drawing paper

Crayons/markers/colored pencils

Activities:

Explain to your students that they're going to pretend to be leprechauns. They need to make a map of where their gold is hidden so they don't forget. Explain that their map doesn't have to be of a real place. They are free to use their imaginations to create whatever kind of land they want to. They need to include details on their map such as buildings or trees (or shamrocks). Remind them to include a legend with their map. When they are finished, have them share their maps with the class.

Wrap Up:

If students need help understanding how to include topographical features on their maps, have them do some research using sites such as Google Earth or Yahoo maps.