This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the compelling question, “How do maps talk to us?” Students create symbols, use directional words and a compass rose, develop map keys, and discover relationships among items on a map as they learn to use the language of maps. They are able to distinguish between physical and human characteristics and understand that the purpose of the map dictates what information is on the map. By investigating the compelling question, “How do maps talk to us?” students evaluate the variety of information that maps provide and what information is necess