Social Studies Worksheet · Grades 2–4
Cardinal and Intermediate Directions Worksheet
A printable social studies worksheet for grades 2-4 that teaches the four cardinal directions and the four intermediate directions of a compass rose. Students convert direction names to abbreviations and use directions to solve six short location scenarios. A complete answer key is included.
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Subject
Social Studies
Grades
Grades 2–4
Skill Focus
Cardinal and Intermediate Directions, geography
Lesson Length
15 minutes
Lesson Overview
About this worksheet
A compass rose is one of the most useful features on any map. This worksheet introduces the four cardinal directions (North, South, East, West) and the four intermediate directions (Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest) and then uses them in two short tasks.
Section A is a quick conversion drill: students write the abbreviation for each direction name and answer two short clue items (‘opposite of North’, ‘halfway between West and South’). The drill builds quick recall of all eight names.
Section B places each direction in a small scenario. Students decide which direction leads from one place to another on a map, what direction the wind is blowing from, and what direction a coast-to-coast plane flies. Page 3 is the complete answer key.
How to Use This Lesson
Read the reference box aloud and trace the compass rose in the air so students see N (top), S (bottom), E (right), W (left).
Teach the mnemonic ‘Never Eat Soggy Waffles’ for the clockwise order N, E, S, W.
Complete Section A as a quick warm-up — most items are single-letter conversions.
Work through Section B together; encourage students to picture the map in their heads before answering.
Use the answer key on page 3 for self-check or teacher review.
Printable Resource
A classroom-ready PDF with everything in one printable resource.
Full Member Resource · Printable PDF · 3 pages · Answer Key
Cardinal and Intermediate Directions Worksheet
A printable social studies worksheet for grades 2-4 that teaches the four cardinal directions and the four intermediate directions of a compass rose. Students convert direction names to abbreviations and use directions to solve six short location scenarios. A complete answer key is included.
For Teachers
Teaching this? Here is the full lesson plan
Reading a Map: Legend, Compass Rose, and Symbols — a complete 45-minute lesson plan for Grades 2-4: objectives, warm-up, direct instruction, guided and independent practice, assessment, and differentiation. Free to read, no sign-in required. This resource is one of the student materials it uses.
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