The
Cardinal Directions

Compass Rose

When you are exploring a new town or city, it is important to know the Cardinal Directions. A Compass Rose is an important tool, and shows the four Cardinal Directions: North, South, West, and East. A Compass Rose will usually accompany any map. Although each Compass Rose may look slightly different, they all have one thing in common, the Cardinal Directions: North, South, West, and East.
Investigate the map of the United States below. Use the Compass Rose to help you answer the questions.
A Map of the United States
United States Map Copyright 2006 by National Geographic Society, from:
Wong, Ruth. (2006). United States Geography. National Geographic Society: Washington D.C.
Step 1: Find New York State.

Question #1: Which two states border New York to the South?

Question #2: Which three states border New York to the East?


Step 2: Find Wyoming.

Question #3: What state borders Wyoming to the North?


Step 3: Find Alabama.

Question #4: What state borders Alabama to the West?



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