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Journey To School Maths

Maths hiding in getting to school: distance on maps

Use simple maps to compare near, far, shorter and longer.

Quick answer

Maths hiding in getting to school: distance on maps helps you compare how far different journeys are using simple maps. You can see if one route is shorter or longer, and even work out how many steps or minutes it takes to get to school.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to compare journeys on a map and decide which one is shorter or longer using simple distance ideas. Success signs:
  • You can point out on a map which route is shorter or longer
  • You can count how many steps or blocks you walk to school
  • You can describe how far your journey is using words like "near" or "far"
  • You can use a ruler to measure distances on a simple map

Why this matters

When you get to school, you're using maths every step of the way. Maps help you see which way is quickest or longest. You use maths to plan your route, compare distances, and even decide if you want to walk or take a bus. Understanding distance on maps helps you become a better explorer, a smarter traveller, and a more confident learner. It's not just about numbers – it's about real-life problem-solving.

How it works

To compare journeys on a map, you need to:
  1. Look at the map and find the start and end points
  2. Trace the route you're comparing
  3. Count how many blocks or lines you go through
  4. Compare the two routes using words like "shorter", "longer", "same distance"
  5. Use a ruler to measure the distance if needed

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine you’re looking at a map of your town. You can see your house and your school. There are two different paths to get there. Path A: House → 3 blocks right → 2 blocks up → School Path B: House → 1 block right → 4 blocks up → School You can count the blocks:
  • Path A: 3 + 2 = 5 blocks
  • Path B: 1 + 4 = 5 blocks
Both paths are the same distance – 5 blocks. But if Path B had 5 blocks, then Path A would be shorter. You can also use a ruler to measure the distance on a map:
  • Each centimetre on the map might represent 100 metres in real life
  • So if the line on the map is 3 cm, the real distance is 300 metres

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: Map Explorer You are going on a map adventure to find the shortest way to school! Step 1: Draw a simple map of your house and school. Step 2: Draw 3 different routes you could take. Step 3: Count the number of blocks or lines on each route. Step 4: Decide which route is shortest and which is longest. Step 5: Try walking one of the routes and see how it feels. Step 6: Compare your real walking distance with the map distance. Step 7: Write down which route you chose and why. This is a fun way to use maths to explore your own journey to school!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that the route with more turns is longer Why it happens: Children sometimes confuse the number of turns with the actual distance. Fix: Count the number of blocks or steps instead of turns to find the real distance.
  • Mistake: Measuring the wrong part of the map Why it happens: Kids might measure from the wrong point or not follow the path. Fix: Always measure from the start to the end of the route, following the lines.
  • Mistake: Using the wrong scale on the map Why it happens: Maps have a scale, like 1 cm = 100 m, but children may forget to use it. Fix: Always check the scale and multiply the map measurement by the scale factor.

Parent and carer guide

You can help your child learn about distance on maps by:
  • Looking at a map of your area together
  • Discussing which route to school is shorter or longer
  • Measuring distances using a ruler and the map's scale
  • Walking one route and comparing how long it feels
  • Using a toy car or your finger to trace paths on the map
  • Practising counting steps or blocks on a real map
What to say:
  • "Let’s look at these two paths. Which one looks shorter?"
  • "How many blocks do you think this path is?"
  • "Can you measure this with your ruler?"
What not to worry about:
  • It's okay if they don't get the exact answer at first
  • They're learning to compare, not calculate perfectly
  • Encourage them to think, not to be perfect

Practice questions

  1. On a map, one route is 4 blocks long. Another is 6 blocks long. Which is longer?
  2. If you measure a path and it is 3 cm on the map, and the scale is 1 cm = 50 m, how far is the real distance?
  3. Which route is shorter: 5 blocks or 8 blocks?
  4. On a map, your house is at point A and school is at point B. If you go from A to B by going 2 blocks right and 3 blocks up, how many blocks is that?
  5. If a map shows a route that is 5 cm long and the scale is 1 cm = 100 m, how many metres is the route?
Answers:
  1. 6 blocks is longer
  2. 150 metres
  3. 5 blocks is shorter
  4. 5 blocks
  5. 500 metres

FAQ

What is a map scale?

A map scale tells you how far in real life one unit on the map represents. For example, if the scale is 1 cm = 100 m, then every centimetre on the map is 100 metres in real life.

Why do we use maps to compare distances?

Maps help us see different routes and compare how long they are. They make it easier to plan the best way to get somewhere without having to walk all the paths first.

How can I measure distance on a map?

You can use a ruler to measure the distance between two points on the map. Then, use the map scale to find the real distance.

Can I use a map to plan a trip to school?

Yes! You can use a map to find different routes and decide which one is the shortest or easiest to walk.

What if I don’t have a map?

You can still practice comparing distances by walking different paths and counting your steps or using a measuring tape to see how far you go.