Third grade students can create their own paper plate compass roses, which will show them the cardinal directions that appear on a standard map. Start by drawing two perpendicular lines onto a paper plate. At the end of each line, write the first letter of each of the cardinal directions: "N" for north, "E" for east, "S" for south and "W" for west. Draw a triangle at the end of the line pointing to the north. This will replicate an actual compass, which is used for navigation. Students can color and decorate their compasses.
Third graders can learn first hand how maps are created when they make their own maps of their town. Start by giving each student a sheet of paper and helping each student draw a compass rose in one corner. This will display which way is north on the map. Each student can draw a picture of her house and a picture of the school. These are two locations where a student spends a great deal of time. Allow each student to try to draw out the roads, landmarks and buildings that are in between her house and the school. When finished, each student will have a map and a better understanding of cartography.
Teach students how to read a topographic map and let them try their hands at sculpting the hills and valleys using clay. Show students how the different lines on a topographic map represent higher or lower elevations. Tell the students that the smaller circles represent higher points of elevation, while the larger circles represent lower points of elevation. Line a jelly roll tray with wax paper, then place one pound of oil-based clay onto the tray. Allow the students to mold the clay to replicate the topographic map. When each student is finished, he can compare his sculpture with another student's to see if they look the same. You can remove each model from the tray, since the clay will be attached to the wax paper, and display it on a table in the classroom for further study.