Social Studies Worksheet · Grades 3–5
Physical and Political Maps Worksheet
A free printable social studies worksheet for grades 3-5 on physical and political maps: physical maps show natural features like mountains and rivers, while political maps show human-made borders, cities, and capitals. Students classify eight map features, then answer four questions. A complete answer key is included.
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Subject
Social Studies
Grades
Grades 3–5
Skill Focus
Physical and Political Maps, geography
Lesson Length
15 minutes
Lesson Overview
About this worksheet
A physical map shows the natural features of an area – mountains, rivers, deserts, and the height of the land – while a political map shows human-made borders such as the lines between countries and states, along with cities and capitals. This worksheet helps students choose the right map for the right job.
Section A gives eight map features (Mountain ranges and rivers; The borders between countries) and asks students to label each physical or political. The reference box teaches the idea with green-and-brown relief shading and different colors per country, examples not reused in the items.
Section B asks students to describe what each map shows, choose the right map to find a state border, and name a natural feature on a physical map. Page 3 is a complete answer key. The skill builds toward map reading and geography.
How to Use This Lesson
Read the reference box aloud and show a physical map and a political map side by side if available.
Complete Section A independently – have students ask ‘natural feature, or human-made border?’
Work Section B item 11 together: explain why a political map shows state borders.
Use the answer key on page 3 for self-check or teacher review.
Pair with the Map Skills Worksheet or the Landforms Worksheet for a geography mini-unit.
Printable Resource
A classroom-ready PDF with everything in one printable resource.
Free Member Resource · Printable PDF · 3 pages · Answer Key
Physical and Political Maps Worksheet
A free printable social studies worksheet for grades 3-5 on physical and political maps: physical maps show natural features like mountains and rivers, while political maps show human-made borders, cities, and capitals. Students classify eight map features, then answer four questions. A complete answer key is included.
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