Get your students constructing and applying their understanding of coordinate grid systems with our Construct a Coordinate Grid: Island Worksheet! This no-prep mapping activity challenges students to design and label a grid over a themed island map before identifying and plotting features using coordinates. It's a practical, visual task that builds confidence and fluency with spatial language and grid navigation.

Students begin by deciding on an appropriate scale and creating their own grid using a pencil and ruler. Once the grid is in place, they label each axis and use their coordinate knowledge to locate key features marked on the map. To finish the task, students place two new features of their own onto the map and swap with a classmate who must identify the coordinates—adding an engaging peer-to-peer element to the lesson.

This resource includes three differentiated worksheet versions: one blank for full independent setup, one with 1 cm notches to assist with spacing, and one with a completed grid for students still consolidating their confidence. Whether you're introducing, consolidating or extending coordinate learning, this worksheet offers flexible options and authentic application in a fun island setting.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Construct and label a coordinate grid using a chosen scale
• ✅ Identify and record the coordinates of map features
• ✅ Apply understanding of horizontal (x) and vertical (y) axes
• ✅ Develop precision and accuracy in mapping and measurement
• ✅ Engage in peer collaboration through feature creation and location

What’s Included:

• Three differentiated worksheet versions:
  • - Blank island map with no grid (students create grid independently)
  • - Map with 1 cm notches to support grid construction
  • - Map with fully constructed 1 cm grid
• List of features for students to locate and record coordinates for
• Space to add two custom features for peer exchange

Materials Needed:

• Printed worksheet (select version based on student level)
• Pencils and rulers
• Optional: coloured pencils or markers to highlight map features

How to Use:

1. Distribute the worksheet version that suits your student’s confidence with grid construction.
2. Students choose a scale (recommended: 1 cm) and draw horizontal and vertical lines to form a grid.
3. They label the x- and y-axes with appropriate numbers and then record the coordinates of listed island features.
4. Students add two additional features to the map and record their coordinates.
5. Swap with a partner who must find the new features and verify their coordinates.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use as a culminating task during your coordinate grid unit
• 💡 Assign to early finishers as a challenge task involving peer interaction
• 💡 Pair students strategically for peer assessment and discussion of strategies
• 💡 Incorporate into your HASS or geography units for cross-curricular mapping tasks
• 💡 Enlarge to A3 for small group mapping tasks with coloured markers

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Review axis labelling and quadrant movement before beginning the activity
• 💛 Laminate one blank version and use it with whiteboard markers in a modelling session
• 💛 Provide sentence stems or question prompts to guide peer interaction
• 💛 Store completed grids in student portfolios as evidence of spatial and measurement skills

Construct a Coordinate Grid: Island Worksheet is a flexible and engaging way to support students in mastering grid layout, coordinate location and peer collaboration. Whether used as an assessment task or learning station, it’s a creative and purposeful way to bring mapping concepts to life.