Grade 4 Social Studies Study Notes

Natural and Built Environments

This strand is about the world around you — how to find your way in it, what it looks like, and how it changes.

What you will learn in this strand

• Compass direction — how to use North, South, East and West to show where places are.
• Location and size of the county — sub-counties and neighbouring counties.
• Physical features — mountains, rivers, valleys and other natural features.
• Seasons — wet and dry seasons and how they affect daily life.
• Historic built environments — old buildings that tell the story of your county.

This lesson

You will answer the question: How do we show the direction of places?

Lesson 2 — Locating Cardinal Points in Practice

In Lesson 1, you learned what cardinal points are and what a compass looks like.

In this lesson, you will go outside and use the cardinal points yourself — in your school compound.

What you will do in this lesson

• Stand outside and face the direction where the sun rises.
• Place cut-outs labelled N, S, E and W in their correct directions.
• Use the four cardinal points to give the direction of places in your school.

This lesson answers the question: Why are cardinal points important in everyday life?

What Are Cardinal Points?

Cardinal points are the four main directions used to show where places are.

They are also called the four main directions of a compass.

Why we use them

• Words like "left" or "near" are not clear — they change depending on where you are standing.
• Cardinal points give everyone the same fixed directions, anywhere in the world.

The four cardinal points are

• North (N)
• South (S)
• East (E)
• West (W)

Look at the signpost below. Each arm points in a different direction — one way people show direction every day.

Locating the Four Cardinal Points Outside

You can find the four cardinal points right now, in your school compound, using only the sun.

What to do

1. Go outside in the morning.
2. Face the direction where the sun is rising. You are now facing East.
3. Stretch both arms out to your sides.
4. Your left hand points North. Your right hand points South. Behind you is West.
5. You have now found all four cardinal points in your real environment.

Look at the diagram below. It shows a learner doing this outside.

The Compass — What It Looks Like

A compass is a small tool used to find direction.

Look carefully at the diagram below — it shows every part of a compass before you read about how it works.

Parts of a compass

• Casing (A) — the hard plastic body that holds everything inside.
• Dial (B) — the flat disc marked with N, S, E and W.
• Needle (C) — the thin pointer at the centre. The red end always points North.
• Centre pivot (D) — the pin that lets the needle spin freely.

How it works

The needle is a small magnet. It is always pulled toward the Earth's North Pole, so it always points North.

Once you know where North is, you can find all the other directions.

Placing the Cut-Out — North

A cut-out is a piece of card or paper with a direction label written on it. You will place four cut-outs — one for each cardinal point — in their correct positions in the school compound.

The North cut-out goes in the direction you are facing when the rising sun is directly behind your back.

How to place the North cut-out

1. Stand in the middle of the compound and face the rising sun (East).
2. Turn around to face the opposite direction. You are now facing North.
3. Walk a few steps in that direction.
4. Place the cut-out labelled N on the ground there.

The Four Cardinal Points

The four cardinal points are North (N), South (S), East (E) and West (W).

They are arranged in a fixed pattern. The symbol used to show this pattern is called a compass rose. Look at it below.

Key facts about each direction

• North (N) — the compass needle always points here.
• South (S) — directly opposite North.
• East (E) — the direction the sun rises every morning.
• West (W) — the direction the sun sets every evening.
• North and South are opposites. East and West are opposites.

Placing the Cut-Out — South

South is directly opposite North. If North is in front of you, South is behind you.

How to place the South cut-out

1. Stand where you placed the North cut-out and face it.
2. Turn completely around. The direction behind you is now South.
3. Walk a few steps in that direction.
4. Place the cut-out labelled S on the ground there.

Clockwise Order and the Memory Aid

Clockwise means moving in the same direction as clock hands — starting from the top and going to the right.

The four cardinal points follow this order going clockwise: North → East → South → West.

The memory aid

Use "Never Eat Soggy Worms" to remember N, E, S, W in clockwise order.

• Never → North
• Eat → East
• Soggy → South
• Worms → West

Placing the Cut-Out — East

East is the direction where the sun rises. When you face the rising sun, you are facing East.

How to place the East cut-out

1. Stand at the centre of the compound facing the rising sun.
2. The direction in front of you is East.
3. Walk a few steps in that direction.
4. Place the cut-out labelled E on the ground there.

The Sun as a Direction Tool

You do not always have a compass. You can use the sun to find direction instead.

The sun follows the same path every day, everywhere in the world.

• The sun rises in the East every morning.
• The sun sets in the West every evening.
• At midday, the sun is at its highest point in the sky.

Look at the diagram below. It shows the sun's path across the sky from morning to evening.

Placing the Cut-Out — West

West is directly opposite East. It is the direction behind you when you face the rising sun.

How to place the West cut-out

1. Face the rising sun (East).
2. The direction directly behind you is West.
3. Walk a few steps in that direction.
4. Place the cut-out labelled W on the ground there.

Giving Directions of Places in the School

Now that all four cut-outs are in place, you can use them to give the direction of any place in your school.

Use this pattern: [Place] is to the [direction] of [starting place].

Look at the diagram below. It shows the four cut-outs in the compound and the school buildings around them.

Practice examples

• The School Garden is to the North of the centre.
• The School Gate is to the South of the centre.
• The Playing Field is to the East of the centre.
• The Staffroom is to the West of the centre.

Finding North with Your Body

When you know where the sun is rising, you can find all four directions using your own body. Follow these four steps.

1. Face the rising sun in the morning. You are now facing East.
2. Stretch both arms out to your sides.
3. Your left hand points North. Your right hand points South.
4. Behind you is West.

Showing Direction in Your Environment

You can use cardinal points to say where any place is from another place.

Always use this pattern: [Place] is to the [direction] of [starting place].

Look at the bird's-eye view below. A bird's-eye view means you are looking straight down from above, like a bird flying overhead.

Examples from the diagram

• The School Garden is to the North of the Classroom Block.
• The School Gate is to the South of the Classroom Block.
• The Playing Field is to the East of the Classroom Block.
• The Staffroom is to the West of the Classroom Block.

Why Cardinal Points Matter in Everyday Life

Cardinal points are not just for maps and compasses. People use them every day, in many different ways.

Ways cardinal points are used in everyday life

• Giving directions — telling someone how to get from one place to another.
• Reading maps — understanding where places are on a map or atlas.
• Navigation — pilots, sailors and drivers use cardinal points to stay on the right path.
• Weather reports — weather reporters say things like "winds are coming from the North."
• Building and farming — people choose which direction a house or farm faces based on the sun's path.

Key idea

Cardinal points give everyone — anywhere in the world — a shared way to describe direction. Without them, giving directions would be confusing and unreliable.

Showing Direction on a Map

A map is a drawing that shows places as seen from above.

Every map has a North arrow — a small symbol that shows which direction is North on that map.

How to read direction on a map

1. Find the North arrow first.
2. The direction it points is North.
3. On most maps, North is at the top, so:
   • Top = North
   • Bottom = South
   • Right = East
   • Left = West

Example

A library drawn above the science room on a map is to the North of the science room.

A kitchen drawn to the left of the classroom is to the West.

Key Points — Sub-strand 1.1

• Cardinal points are the four main directions: North (N), South (S), East (E) and West (W).
• A compass needle (red end) always points North.
• Clockwise order: N → E → S → W — "Never Eat Soggy Worms."
• North–South are opposites. East–West are opposites.
• The sun rises in the East and sets in the West every day.
• Face the rising sun: left hand = North, right hand = South, behind = West.
• Place cut-outs N, S, E, W by locating each direction from the rising sun.
• To give direction: [Place] is to the [direction] of [starting place].
• Cardinal points are used in everyday life — directions, maps, navigation, weather, farming.

Summary table

Key Points

• Cardinal points are the four main directions: North (N), South (S), East (E) and West (W).
• A compass needle always points North. The red end points North.
• Going clockwise from North: N → E → S → W ("Never Eat Soggy Worms").
• The sun rises in the East and sets in the West every day.
• Face the rising sun — left hand = North, right hand = South, behind = West.
• To describe direction: [Place] is to the [direction] of [starting place].
• Find the North arrow on a map first — then read all four directions.

Summary table

What Is a Map?

A map is a drawing that shows an area as seen from directly above — as if you were a bird looking straight down.

Maps help us see where places are and how they relate to each other.

What a map can show

• Roads and paths — routes you can travel along.
• Buildings — schools, markets, hospitals.
• Natural features — rivers, hills, forests.
• Towns and villages — where people live.

Look at the diagram below. It shows the difference between what you see standing on the ground and what a map shows from above.

Lesson 5 — Solving Direction Problems and Creating Maps

In this lesson, you will use cardinal points to solve direction problems and create your own simple map.

What you will do

• Follow a step-by-step method for answering direction questions.
• Learn what every simple map must include.
• Draw your own map with cardinal points.
• Give directions between places on your own map.

This lesson answers the question: How do we use cardinal points to navigate from one place to another?

Lesson 6 — Applying Cardinal Points in Everyday Life

You have learned what cardinal points are, how to read them on a map, how to draw a map, and how to give directions.

In this lesson, you will apply all of these skills — in games, in drawing, and in your real environment.

What you will do

• Play a game using cardinal points to locate places.
• Draw your own map with cardinal points.
• Demonstrate how to give directions in your real environment.
• Understand how cardinal points are used in everyday life.

This lesson answers the question: How can we apply our knowledge of cardinal points in everyday life?

Lesson 4 — The Map of Omo Area

In this lesson, you will study a real area map — the Map of Omo Area.

You will learn to interpret a map. To interpret a map means to read it carefully and understand what it is telling you about an area.

What you will do

• Identify the different locations shown on the Omo area map.
• Find the direction between different features on the map.
• Practise giving directions using cardinal points on different maps.

This lesson answers the question: How do cardinal points help us find our way on a map?

Parts of a Simple Map

Every good map has certain parts that help you read and understand it.

Look at the diagram below. Find each part as you read about it.

Parts of a map

• Title (A) — the name of the map. It tells you what area the map shows.
• North arrow (B) — points North. Use it to find all four directions on the map.
• Key or legend (C) — a box that explains what the symbols on the map mean.
• Features (D, E, F, G) — the roads, rivers, buildings and other things shown on the map.

Solving Direction Problems Step by Step

A direction problem gives you a map or a description and asks you to say which direction one place is from another.

Always follow these steps to get the right answer.

1. Find the North arrow. This tells you which way is North on the map.
2. Locate the starting place (Place B — the reference point).
3. Locate the place you are describing (Place A).
4. Compare their positions: is Place A above, below, left or right of Place B?
5. Match the position to a direction: above = North, below = South, right = East, left = West.
6. Write or say the answer: [Place A] is to the [direction] of [Place B].

The Map of Omo Area — Features and Locations

The Omo area is a region shown in your course book. Its map shows several locations and natural features.

Look at the map below. Find every labelled feature before you try to give any directions.

Features on the Omo map

• Omo Town (A) — the main settlement in the area.
• Omo River (B) — a river running diagonally across the area.
• Omo Market (C) — where people buy and sell goods.
• Omo School (D) — the school in the area.
• Omo Hill (E) — a hill to the East.
• Omo Bridge (F) — where the road crosses the river.

The Direction Game

A direction game helps you practise locating places using cardinal points. It is played in pairs or groups in the school compound or classroom.

How to play

1. One learner stands at the centre of the compound or classroom.
2. The other learner calls out a direction — for example: "Walk three steps North!"
3. The learner in the centre walks three steps in the direction called.
4. The caller then says: "What feature is near you now?"
5. The learner names the feature or place they have reached.
6. Players swap roles and play again.

Variations of the game

• Use a simple drawn map — the caller points to a feature on the map and asks: "Which direction is this from the centre?"
• Give multi-step directions: "Walk North, then turn East, then walk two steps South."

What Every Simple Map Must Have

Before you draw your own map, learn what it must include. A map without these parts is incomplete and hard to read.

Checklist for a simple map

• Title — the name of the area your map shows. Write it at the top.
• North arrow — a bold arrow pointing North. Place it in a corner, usually top-right.
• Key (legend) — a small box explaining what each symbol means.
• Labels — the name of every place or feature you draw.
• Features — at least four places drawn in their correct positions (North, South, East, West of each other).
• Border — a neat rectangle drawn around the whole map.

Finding Directions on the Omo Map

Now use the Map of Omo Area (Figure 4.1) to find the direction between locations.

Remember: find the North arrow first, then use the position of each place to give the direction.

Worked examples from the Omo map

• Omo School is to the North of Omo Town. (School is above Town on the map.)
• Omo Market is to the South-East of Omo Town. (Market is below and to the right of Town.)
• Omo Hill is to the East of Omo Town. (Hill is to the right of Town.)
• Omo Bridge is to the East of Omo Town. (Bridge is to the right of Town, where the road crosses the river.)
• Omo River flows from the North-West to the South-East of the map.

How to answer direction questions on the Omo map

1. Find the North arrow on the map.
2. Locate Place A (the place whose direction you want to describe).
3. Locate Place B (the starting reference point).
4. Decide if Place A is above, below, left or right of Place B.
5. Name the direction and say: [Place A] is to the [direction] of [Place B].

Drawing Your Own Map with Cardinal Points

Now draw a map of a place you know well — your classroom, your home compound, or your village.

Steps to follow

1. Choose your area. Pick a small, familiar area you can picture clearly.
2. Draw the border — a neat rectangle on your page.
3. Add the title at the top centre.
4. Draw the North arrow in the top-right corner.
5. Sketch the features in their correct directions — at least four places.
6. Label every feature clearly.
7. Draw the key in the bottom-left corner and explain your symbols.
8. Check your work — is every required part included?

Reading Direction on a Map

On most maps, North is at the top. This means the four directions always match the four sides of the map.

The four sides of a map

How to use this

• A place drawn above another on the map is to the North.
• A place drawn below another is to the South.
• A place drawn to the right of another is to the East.
• A place drawn to the left of another is to the West.

Demonstrating Direction in Your Environment

You can use cardinal points to give the direction of real places around you — not just on paper.

How to demonstrate direction in your environment

1. Stand at a fixed point — for example, the classroom door or the school flag post.
2. Find North — use the sun (face the rising sun = East; left hand = North) or a compass.
3. Look around you and identify at least four features — a tree, a building, a gate, a water tap.
4. Give the direction of each feature using the pattern: [Feature] is to the [direction] of [your starting point].

Example

• "The water tap is to the East of the flag post."
• "The head teacher's office is to the North of the flag post."
• "The school gate is to the South-West of the flag post."

Identifying Features on a Map

Before you can give directions on a map, you must first identify (find and name) the features shown on it.

Look at the map of Jua Town below. Find each feature using the key.

How to identify features on a map

1. Read the title first — find out what area the map shows.
2. Find the key — learn what each symbol means.
3. Locate the North arrow — so you know which way is North.
4. Name the features — find and read the labels for each place shown.

Drawing a Simple Map with Cardinal Points

Follow these steps to draw your own simple map. You will draw a map of your school or neighbourhood.

1. Draw a border. Use a ruler to draw a neat rectangle on your page.
2. Write the title at the top centre — for example, "Map of Our School."
3. Draw the North arrow in the top-right corner. Draw a bold arrow pointing straight up and write 'N' above it.
4. Draw your features. Think about which direction each place is — North, South, East or West of the centre. Draw each feature in the correct position.
5. Label every feature with its name.
6. Draw the key in the bottom-left corner. Show what each symbol means.

Practising Directions on Different Maps

You can use cardinal points to give directions on any map — not just the Omo map.

The method is always the same: find the North arrow, locate the places, compare their positions, then give the direction.

Study the practice map below and answer the questions that follow it.

Practice questions on Mto Village

• Where is the Clinic from the Primary School? → to the north west.
• Where is the Bus Stop from the Primary School? → to the South-East.
• Where is the Chief's Camp from the Primary School? → to the South-West.
• Where is the Borehole from the Primary School? → to the North-East.

Giving Directions Between Places on Your Map

Once your map is drawn, you can use it to give directions between any two places on it.

Use the same pattern you have practised: [Place A] is to the [direction] of [Place B].

Worked examples using Figure 5.3

• The School Garden is to the North of the Classroom Block.
• The School Gate is to the South of the Classroom Block.
• The Playing Field is to the East of the Classroom Block.
• The Staffroom is to the West of the Classroom Block.
• The School Gate is to the South of the School Garden.

Navigation

Navigation means using directions to move from one place to another without getting lost.

Cardinal points help you navigate because they give you a fixed direction to follow — on a map or in real life.

Key Points — Lesson 4

• To interpret a map means to read it carefully and understand what it shows.
• Always find the North arrow first before reading any direction.
• Identify all the features on the map before giving directions.
• The same direction method works on any map — Omo, Mto Village, or any other.
• Combining directions gives you North-East, North-West, South-East, South-West for places in corners.

Combined direction guide

Giving Directions Between Features on a Map

To give the direction of one place from another, always use this pattern:

[Place A] is to the [direction] of [Place B].

Use Figure 3.4 (Map of Jua Town) to follow the worked examples below.

Worked examples

• The School is to the North-West of the Chief's Office.
  (School is above and to the left of the Chief's Office.)
• The Market is to the South-East of the Chief's Office.
  (Market is below and to the right.)
• The Hospital is to the North of the Market.
  (Hospital is above the Market.)
• The Jua River is to the North of the Main Road junction.

Steps for giving a direction

1. Find the starting place (Place B) on the map.
2. Find the place you are describing (Place A).
3. Decide: is Place A above, below, left or right of Place B?
4. Match that position to its direction: above = North, below = South, right = East, left = West.
5. Say: [Place A] is to the [direction] of [Place B].

Cardinal Points in Everyday Life

Cardinal points are used by many people every day — not just in school geography lessons.

How people use cardinal points every day

• Giving directions — "The market is to the North of the town centre."
• Reading maps and atlases — finding countries, cities and roads.
• Navigation — pilots follow compass headings; sailors steer by cardinal points; drivers use North/South/East/West on road signs.
• Weather forecasting — "A cold wind is blowing from the North."
• Farming — farmers choose which direction a field faces to get the most sunlight.
• Building — architects decide which direction a house faces based on the sun's path (East–West).

Key Points — Lesson 5

• To solve a direction problem: find the North arrow → locate Place B → locate Place A → compare positions → match to direction → give the answer.
• Every map needs a title, North arrow, key, labels, features and a border.
• When drawing a map, place features in the correct direction from the centre.
• Navigation means using directions to move from one place to another.
• The same direction skills work on any map — drawn by you or printed in a book.

Key Points — Lesson 3

• A map shows an area as seen from directly above.
• Every map should have a title, a North arrow, and a key.
• On most maps, North is at the top: top = N, bottom = S, right = E, left = W.
• To identify features: read the title, find the key, locate the North arrow, name the places.
• To give a direction: say [Place A] is to the [direction] of [Place B].
• Use the position on the map — above, below, left, right — to find the direction.

Direction positions summary

Key Points — Sub-strand 1.2

• A map shows an area as seen from directly above.
• Every map needs a title, North arrow, key, labels, features and a border.
• On most maps: top = North, bottom = South, right = East, left = West.
• To give a direction: [Place A] is to the [direction] of [Place B].
• To solve a direction problem: find the North arrow → locate both places → compare positions → name the direction.
• Drawing a map: draw the border → add title → add North arrow → sketch features in correct positions → label everything → draw the key.
• Navigation means using directions to move from one place to another.
• Cardinal points are used in everyday life: directions, maps, navigation, weather, farming, building.

Complete direction positions summary

Location and Size of the County

You have learned how to use cardinal points to show direction. Now you will learn about your county — where it is, how big it is, and how it is divided.

What you will learn in this sub-topic

• Sub-counties in the county — how your county is divided into smaller areas.
• Locating the county in relation to neighbouring counties — which counties border yours and in which direction.
• The size of the county — how your county compares in size to the counties next to it.

This lesson

You will answer the question: Why is it important to learn the size and location of a county?

Lesson 8 — Drawing a County Map with Sub-Counties

In Lesson 7, you identified sub-counties on a printed map. In this lesson, you will draw your own county map and show its sub-counties.

What you will do

• Collect the materials needed to draw the map.
• Draw the outline of your county.
• Divide it into sub-counties by drawing internal boundaries.
• Label each sub-county.
• Colour the sub-counties using different colours.
• Check your work and display it in class.

This lesson answers the question: How many sub-counties are in our county?

What Is a County?

A county is a large area of land that is governed by its own local government.

Kenya is divided into 47 counties. Each county has its own elected leaders and services such as hospitals, roads and schools.

Key facts about counties

• Each county has a name — for example, Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru.
• Each county has a county headquarters — the main town where the county government offices are.
• Counties differ in size — some are large, some are small.
• Counties differ in population — some have many people, some have fewer.

What You Need to Draw a County Map

Before you start drawing, gather all the materials you need and check that you have a reference map to copy from.

Materials needed

• Manila paper or plain paper — a large sheet to draw on.
• Pencil — for drawing the outline and boundaries first (so you can erase mistakes).
• Ruler — for drawing straight borders and labels.
• Coloring materials — crayons, coloured pencils or markers — one colour per sub-county.
• A reference map — the map of your county from an atlas, textbook or digital device. You will copy the shape and sub-county positions from this map.
• Pen — for writing labels once the drawing is correct.

Before you draw — checklist

• I know how many sub-counties my county has.
• I know the name of each sub-county.
• I know the general position of each sub-county (North, South, East, West, Central).
• I have a reference map to guide me.

What Is a Sub-County?

A sub-county is a smaller area inside a county.

Every county is divided into several sub-counties. Together, the sub-counties make up the whole county.

Key facts about sub-counties

• A sub-county is smaller than a county but bigger than a ward.
• Each sub-county has its own name.
• Each sub-county has a sub-county headquarters — the main town or centre for that sub-county.
• Sub-counties help the government deliver services more easily to people in different parts of the county.

Drawing the Outline of the County

The outline of a county is its outer boundary — the line that shows where the county begins and ends.

County outlines are irregular shapes — they are not perfect circles or rectangles. They follow natural and human-made boundaries such as rivers, roads or agreed border lines.

Steps to draw the county outline

1. Place your reference map next to your drawing paper.
2. Study the shape of the county outline carefully.
3. Lightly sketch the outline in pencil on your paper — work slowly and keep checking against the reference map.
4. Adjust the shape until it looks like the reference map.
5. Draw a border rectangle around the outside of your map area using a ruler.
6. Add the North arrow in the top-right corner of the border.
7. Write the title at the top centre: for example, "Map of [Your County]."

The Administrative Structure of a County

Kenya uses a system of administrative units to organise how the country is governed. Each unit is smaller than the one above it.

Look at the diagram below. It shows the levels from the largest to the smallest.

The four levels

Dividing the County into Sub-Counties

Once the county outline is drawn, you add the internal boundaries — the lines that divide the county into its sub-counties.

Steps to draw the internal boundaries

1. Look at your reference map to see where each sub-county boundary runs inside the county.
2. Lightly sketch the internal boundary lines in pencil — these are the lines that separate each sub-county from the others.
3. Check against the reference map — each enclosed area should represent one sub-county.
4. Correct any lines that are in the wrong position.
5. When satisfied, go over the internal boundaries with a pen.

The Map of Makao County

Makao County is a county used in your course book to show how a county map looks and how sub-counties are arranged inside it.

Look at the map below. Find the county boundary, the North arrow, and each sub-county before reading on.

What the map shows

• The county boundary — the outer line that shows where Makao County begins and ends.
• The internal boundaries — the lines inside that separate each sub-county.
• The county headquarters — the main town of the county, marked with a star.
• The sub-county names — printed inside each sub-county area.

Labelling the Sub-Counties

Once the internal boundaries are drawn and correct, you label each sub-county by writing its name inside its area on the map.

Steps to label the sub-counties

1. Check the reference map for the correct spelling of each sub-county name.
2. Find the centre of each sub-county area on your map.
3. Write the sub-county name clearly inside the area using a pen. If the area is small, use a leader line (a short line with an arrow pointing into the area).
4. Check that every sub-county has a label — none should be left blank.

Good labelling rules

• Write neatly — labels must be readable.
• Write horizontally — do not tilt the text.
• Do not write over boundary lines.
• Use a pen for labels — not pencil, which can smudge.

Identifying Sub-Counties on the Makao County Map

To identify sub-counties on a map means to find them, name them, and describe where each one is.

Use Figure 7.4 (Map of Makao County) to follow the steps below.

Steps to identify sub-counties on a map

1. Find the North arrow. This tells you which direction is North on the map.
2. Look at the internal boundary lines. Each enclosed area is one sub-county.
3. Read each sub-county name printed inside its area.
4. Describe its position using cardinal points — for example, "Makao North is in the North of the county."

Sub-counties and their positions in Makao County

Colouring the Sub-Counties

The last step in drawing the map is to colour each sub-county using a different colour.

Using different colours makes it easy to tell one sub-county from another at a glance.

Rules for colouring

• Use a different colour for each sub-county — no two sub-counties that share a boundary should have the same colour.
• Colour lightly so the labels inside can still be read.
• Do not colour over the boundary lines — stay inside each area.
• Update the key — add a small coloured square next to each sub-county name in the key box to show which colour represents which sub-county.

Checking and Displaying Your Map

Before you display or hand in your map, check it carefully against this list.

Final checklist

• Title — is the name of the county written at the top?
• North arrow — is there a clear North arrow in a corner?
• County boundary — does the outer line match the shape of the county?
• Internal boundaries — are all sub-county boundary lines drawn correctly?
• Labels — is every sub-county named? Are the names spelled correctly?
• Colours — does each sub-county have its own colour? Can you still read the labels?
• Key — does the key show which colour represents which sub-county?

Displaying your map

Once your map passes the checklist, pin or paste it on the classroom wall in the Social Studies corner. You and your classmates can use the display to compare your maps and check each other's work.

Identifying Sub-Counties in Your Own County

You can find the sub-counties of your own county using an atlas or a digital map.

How to find sub-counties using an atlas

1. Open the atlas to the Kenya section.
2. Find your county on the Kenya map.
3. Turn to the county map page — it will show the internal sub-county boundaries.
4. Read the sub-county names printed inside each division.
5. Note the position of each sub-county using cardinal points.

How to find sub-counties using a digital device

1. Open a maps application (for example, Google Maps).
2. Search for your county name.
3. Zoom in until you can see the sub-county divisions and names.
4. Note the name and position of each sub-county.

What to record

• The name of each sub-county.
• The position of each sub-county in the county (North, South, East, West, Central).
• The number of sub-counties in your county.

Why It Is Important to Know Sub-Counties

Knowing your sub-counties is useful in everyday life — not just in school.

Reasons why it is important

• Finding your way — knowing which sub-county a place is in helps you give or follow directions.
• Government services — hospitals, schools and government offices serve specific sub-counties. Knowing yours helps you find the right office.
• Voting — elections are organised by sub-county. Knowing yours means you vote in the right place.
• Identity — knowing your sub-county is part of knowing where you come from.
• Planning — leaders use sub-county information to plan roads, water supply and other services.

Key idea

The county is your local government area. The sub-county is the smaller unit within it. Knowing both helps you understand how your community is organised and how services reach you.

Key Points — Sub-strand 1.3

• Kenya has 47 counties, each with its own local government.
• A sub-county is a smaller division inside a county.
• Administrative order (largest to smallest): County → Sub-county → Ward → Village.
• A county map shows: title, North arrow, county boundary, internal boundaries, sub-county names, county headquarters (star), and a key.
• To draw a county map: draw the outline → add internal boundaries → label sub-counties → colour each sub-county a different colour → add the key → check your work.
• Use an atlas or digital map to find the sub-counties of your county.
• Knowing your sub-counties helps you access government services and understand how your community is organised.

Map-drawing steps summary

Key Points — Lesson 7

• Kenya is divided into 47 counties. Each county has its own local government.
• A sub-county is a smaller area inside a county.
• The administrative order from largest to smallest: County → Sub-county → Ward → Village.
• A county map shows the county boundary, internal sub-county boundaries, sub-county names, and the county headquarters (marked with a star).
• Use an atlas or digital map to find the sub-counties of your own county.
• Knowing your sub-county helps you access government services and participate in elections.

Summary table

Locating the County in Relation to Neighbouring Counties

In the last sub-topic, you learned what sub-counties are and how to draw a county map. Now you will learn how your county relates to the counties around it.

What you will learn

• What a neighbouring county is.
• How to identify the counties that border your county.
• How to describe your county's location using direction words and compass points.
• How to draw a map showing your county and its neighbours.

This lesson answers

Which counties neighbour our county?

Lesson 10 — Using Compass Points to Locate Neighbouring Counties

In Lesson 9, you named your neighbouring counties and described their location using direction words.

In this lesson, you will use the four cardinal points (N, S, E, W) precisely to locate each neighbouring county and record the results in a chart.

What you will do

• Use cardinal points to describe where each neighbouring county is.
• Complete a relative position chart.
• Study North, South, East and West neighbours in detail.
• Draw and label a finished multi-county map.

This lesson answers: How do we use compass points to locate our county in relation to neighbouring counties?

What Is a Neighbouring County?

A neighbouring county is a county that shares a boundary with your county.

It is also called a bordering county or an adjacent county.

Key facts

• A county can have one or more neighbouring counties — it depends on how many counties share its borders.
• Neighbouring counties are on different sides of your county — to the North, South, East or West.
• Two counties are neighbours only if they share a boundary line. Counties that are separated by another county in between are not neighbours.

Using Compass Points to Locate Neighbouring Counties

To locate a neighbouring county using compass points, you find its position on the map and name the cardinal point that describes its direction from your county.

Steps

1. Find the North arrow on the map.
2. Locate your county at the centre of the map.
3. Look at each neighbouring county.
4. Decide its position: is it above (North), below (South), to the right (East) or to the left (West)?
5. Name the compass point: N, S, E, W, NE, NW, SE or SW.
6. State: [Neighbouring county] is to the [compass point] of [your county].

Example using Makao County

Identifying Neighbouring Counties Using an Atlas

An atlas is a book of maps. It contains maps of Kenya showing all 47 counties and their boundaries.

Steps to identify neighbouring counties using an atlas

1. Open the atlas to the Kenya county map page.
2. Find your county on the map.
3. Look at the counties touching your county's boundary. Each one that shares a boundary line is a neighbour.
4. Read the name of each neighbouring county.
5. Write down all the names in a list.
6. Note which side of your county each neighbour is on — North, South, East or West.

Completing a Relative Position Chart

A relative position chart is a table that shows the compass point direction of each neighbouring county from your county.

It is a quick-reference record — you can use it to answer any direction question about your neighbours.

How to complete the chart

1. Write your county name in the top row: "Neighbours of [Your County]".
2. For each compass point (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW), write the name of the neighbouring county in that direction — or write "None" if no county borders yours on that side.

Example chart — Makao County

Copy this format and complete it for your own county using an atlas or digital map.

Identifying Neighbouring Counties Using a Digital Map

A digital map is a map on a device — a phone, tablet, or computer. Apps like Google Maps show Kenya's county boundaries.

Steps to identify neighbouring counties using a digital map

1. Open a maps application on your device.
2. Search for your county name. The map will highlight your county.
3. Zoom out slightly so you can see the counties around yours.
4. Look at the county names on all sides of your county — those touching your boundary are neighbours.
5. Note the name and direction of each neighbouring county.

Advantage of a digital map

• You can zoom in and out to see boundaries more clearly.
• County names are shown automatically — you do not need to read a key.
• You can search for any county in Kenya quickly.

North and South Neighbours

The North neighbour is the county directly above yours on the map. The South neighbour is the county directly below yours.

These two neighbours are on opposite sides of your county.

Key facts about North and South neighbours

• The North neighbour is above your county on the map.
• The South neighbour is below your county on the map.
• Your county is to the South of its North neighbour.
• Your county is to the North of its South neighbour.

Example — Makao County

• Kasuku County is to the North of Makao County. → Makao County is to the South of Kasuku County.
• Mto County is to the South of Makao County. → Makao County is to the North of Mto County.

Naming Your Neighbouring Counties

Once you have identified the counties that border yours, you record their names clearly.

The example below uses Makao County from your course book. Use the same method for your own county.

How to record neighbouring counties

1. Write the name of your county at the top.
2. List each neighbouring county below it.
3. For each neighbour, note which side of your county it is on.

Example — Makao County's neighbours

Use this same table format when recording the neighbours of your own county.

East and West Neighbours

The East neighbour is the county to the right of yours on the map. The West neighbour is the county to the left of yours.

These two neighbours are on opposite sides of your county.

Key facts about East and West neighbours

• The East neighbour is to the right of your county on the map.
• The West neighbour is to the left of your county on the map.
• Your county is to the West of its East neighbour.
• Your county is to the East of its West neighbour.

Example — Makao County

• Jua County is to the East of Makao County. → Makao County is to the West of Jua County.
• Mvua County is to the West of Makao County. → Makao County is to the East of Mvua County.

Describing Location Using Direction Words

Once you know which counties border yours, you describe their location using direction words.

Use this pattern: [Neighbouring county] is to the [direction] of [your county].

You can also reverse it: [Your county] is to the [direction] of [neighbouring county].

Examples using Makao County

• Kasuku County is to the North of Makao County.
• Makao County is to the South of Kasuku County.
• Jua County is to the East of Makao County.
• Makao County is to the West of Jua County.
• Bahari County is to the North-East of Makao County.

Important rule

Direction is always described from a starting point. When you change the starting point, the direction reverses.

• If County A is to the North of County B, then County B is to the South of County A.
• If County A is to the East of County B, then County B is to the West of County A.

Drawing and Labelling the Multi-County Map

You will now draw a complete, labelled map showing your county and all its neighbours, with compass points marked.

Steps

1. Draw the border rectangle and write the title at the top.
2. Add the North arrow in the top-right corner.
3. Draw your county in the centre — use the reference map for the shape.
4. Draw each neighbouring county in its correct compass direction around your county.
5. Label every county with its name.
6. Add compass point labels on the sides of the map: N at top, S at bottom, E on right, W on left.
7. Colour your county and neighbours using different colours.
8. Add a key showing which colour is your county and which colours are neighbours.

Drawing a Map Showing Your County and Its Neighbours

You will now draw a map that shows your county and the counties that border it.

This type of map shows the relative positions of counties — how they sit next to each other.

Steps to draw the map

1. Draw a border rectangle on your paper using a ruler.
2. Write the title at the top: for example, "Makao County and Its Neighbours."
3. Add the North arrow in the top-right corner.
4. Sketch your county in the centre of the map — using your reference map for the shape.
5. Sketch the neighbouring counties around it, each in its correct direction.
6. Label every county — your county and all neighbours — with their names.
7. Add a key if you use different colours or shading for your county and its neighbours.

The Geographical Relationship Between Counties

The geographical relationship between counties means understanding how counties are connected by their locations — which ones border each other and in which direction.

Why this matters

• Trade and markets — people cross into neighbouring counties to buy and sell goods.
• Movement of people — people travel to neighbouring counties for work, school, hospital or family visits.
• Shared resources — a river or road may run through two or more neighbouring counties, so they must work together.
• Planning — county governments co-operate with their neighbours on shared roads, water supply and security.
• Identity — knowing which counties border yours helps you understand your county's place in Kenya.

Key idea

No county exists alone. Every county is connected to others through shared boundaries. Understanding these connections helps communities work together and solve shared problems.

Key Points — Lesson 9

• A neighbouring county is a county that shares a boundary with your county.
• Use an atlas or digital map to find the counties that border yours.
• Two counties that are separated by another county in between are not neighbours.
• Record neighbours by name and the direction they are from your county.
• Describe location using the pattern: [County A] is to the [direction] of [County B].
• When you reverse the starting county, the direction reverses too.
• On the neighbours map, your county goes in the centre with neighbours drawn around it.

Direction reversal rule

Key Points — Sub-strand 1.4

• A neighbouring county shares a boundary with your county.
• Use an atlas or digital map to find and name your neighbours.
• Describe location using: [County A] is to the [compass point] of [County B].
• When you reverse the starting county, the compass point reverses too.
• A relative position chart lists each compass point (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW) and the neighbouring county in that direction.
• On the multi-county map: your county is at the centre; neighbours surround it in their correct compass directions.
• Counties are connected through shared boundaries, trade, movement, shared resources and planning.

Compass point reversal — quick reference

The Size of the County in Relation to Neighbouring Counties

You have learned where your county is and which counties border it. Now you will learn how your county compares in size to its neighbours.

What you will learn

• What the size of a county means.
• How to compare county sizes using maps.
• How to identify counties that are larger or smaller than your county.
• How to create a table showing the relative sizes of counties.
• How to arrange counties from largest to smallest.

This lesson answers

What is the size of your county in relation to neighbouring counties?

What Does the Size of a County Mean?

The size of a county means how much land area the county covers.

A county with a large area covers a lot of land. A county with a small area covers less land.

Key facts about county size

• County size is measured in square kilometres (km²).
• Kenya's 47 counties are not all the same size — they differ greatly.
• The largest county in Kenya is Marsabit — it covers a very large area in the North of Kenya.
• The smallest county in Kenya is Mombasa — it covers a small area on the coast.
• On a map, a county that looks bigger covers more land than one that looks smaller.

How to Compare County Sizes on a Map

To compare the sizes of counties, you look at their shapes on a map and judge which one covers more space.

This only works accurately on a map drawn to scale — where all counties are drawn in correct proportion to each other.

Steps to compare county sizes on a map

1. Open your atlas or digital map to the Kenya county map.
2. Find your county and the neighbouring counties around it.
3. Look at the area each county covers on the map — which one takes up the most space?
4. Compare your county to each neighbour one at a time.
5. Record your observation: is your county larger, smaller, or about the same size as each neighbour?

Important

You are comparing area (how much land), not shape. A county can be a very different shape but still have a similar area to another county.

Larger, Smaller or Similar in Size

When you compare two counties, there are only three possible outcomes.

The three outcomes

• Larger — your county covers more land than the neighbour. The neighbour is smaller than your county.
• Smaller — your county covers less land than the neighbour. The neighbour is larger than your county.
• Similar in size — your county and the neighbour cover roughly the same amount of land. Neither is clearly bigger or smaller.

Words used to describe size differences

Identifying Counties Larger Than Your County

To find which neighbouring counties are larger than your county, compare your county's area to each neighbour's area on the map.

Steps

1. Open your reference map (atlas or digital map) showing your county and its neighbours.
2. Look at your county's shape and note how much space it takes up.
3. Look at each neighbouring county one at a time.
4. If a neighbour takes up more space on the map than your county, it is larger.
5. Write down its name and note: "[Neighbour] is larger than [your county]."

Example using Makao County

• Looking at the map, Kasuku County takes up more space than Makao County.
• Statement: "Kasuku County is larger than Makao County."
• Reversed: "Makao County is smaller than Kasuku County."

Identifying Counties Smaller Than Your County

To find which neighbouring counties are smaller than your county, use the same method — but this time you are looking for neighbours that take up less space on the map.

Steps

1. Open your reference map.
2. Look at your county's shape and note how much space it covers.
3. Look at each neighbouring county one at a time.
4. If a neighbour takes up less space on the map than your county, it is smaller.
5. Write down its name and note: "[Neighbour] is smaller than [your county]."

Example using Makao County

• Looking at the map, Mto County takes up less space than Makao County.
• Statement: "Mto County is smaller than Makao County."
• Reversed: "Makao County is larger than Mto County."

Creating a Table of Relative County Sizes

A relative size table records how your county compares in size to each of its neighbours — all in one place.

How to create the table

1. Draw a table with three columns: Neighbouring County, Direction from your county, and Size compared to your county.
2. Fill in the name of each neighbouring county in the first column.
3. Fill in the compass point direction of each neighbour in the second column.
4. Fill in the size comparison in the third column: "Larger", "Smaller" or "Similar in size".

Example table — Makao County

Copy this format and complete it for your own county using your atlas or digital map.

Arranging Counties from Largest to Smallest

Once you know the relative sizes of your county and its neighbours, you can rank them — arrange them in order from the largest to the smallest.

Steps to arrange counties by size

1. List all the counties you are comparing — your county and all its neighbours.
2. From your relative size table, identify which counties are the largest.
3. Place the largest county first in the ranking.
4. Continue placing counties in order until the smallest is last.
5. If two counties are similar in size, they can share a position in the ranking.

Example ranking — Makao County and its neighbours

Why County Sizes Differ

Kenya's 47 counties are not all the same size. There are reasons why some counties are large and others are small.

Reasons for differences in county size

• Historical boundaries — county boundaries were decided over time, often based on how communities settled on land. Communities that settled over large areas ended up with large counties.
• Natural features — rivers, mountains and forests formed natural boundaries between communities, affecting the size of each area.
• Population — areas with many people sometimes needed to be divided into smaller units to make them easier to govern.
• Land use — large areas of sparsely populated land (such as deserts or forests) were often kept as single large counties.

Key idea

County sizes reflect Kenya's history, geography and communities. No county size is better or worse — all counties, large or small, have equal importance as units of government.

Key Points — Sub-strand 1.5

• The size of a county means how much land area it covers, measured in km².
• On a scaled map, a county that looks bigger covers more land.
• Three outcomes when comparing: larger than, smaller than, or similar in size to.
• Use an atlas or digital map to compare your county's size to each neighbour.
• A relative size table records each neighbour's name, direction, and size comparison.
• Ranking arranges counties from largest to smallest; counties of similar size share a rank.
• County sizes differ because of historical boundaries, natural features, population and land use.
• All counties are equal in importance regardless of size.

Relative size vocabulary