Kinds of symbols
Where symbols appear
- Traffic systems, maps, apps, texting, warning labels, stores, sports, and scouting all use symbols.
- Symbols are useful because they can communicate quickly and often work across language differences.
Requirement 9 of 10
Symbols and Signs
Explore symbols used in everyday life, design your own symbol, explain traffic signs, map symbols, and text-message symbols.
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Checklist
- 9 Share 10 everyday symbols, design your own symbol, and explain what it meansNot complete
- 9a Show examples of 10 traffic signs and explain their meaningNot complete
- 9b Use a topographical map to explain a legend and identify 10 map symbolsNot complete
- 9c Discuss text-message symbols and give 10 examples of symbols or emoticons you likeNot complete
Requirement 9 discussion guide
Use these notes to think about how symbols communicate meaning quickly in daily life.
Symbols and Signs discussion locked
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9 Everyday symbols and your own symbol
Prepare 10 examples of symbols used in everyday life, then design your own symbol and explain what it means.
Everyday symbol ideas
- Restroom symbols, recycling symbols, warning labels, app icons, power buttons, hospital signs, weather symbols, sports symbols, store symbols, and hazard icons.
- Think about what makes each symbol easy to recognize and why symbols can work quickly even without long written explanations.
Design your own symbol
- Create a simple symbol with a clear meaning.
- Be ready to explain what it represents and why someone could recognize it quickly.
9 Everyday symbols and your own symbol locked
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9a Traffic signs
Show 10 traffic signs and explain what each one means.
Examples to include
- Stop, yield, speed limit, pedestrian crossing, railroad crossing, no parking, one way, school zone, merge, and do not enter.
9a Traffic signs locked
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9b Map legend and map symbols
Use a topographical map to explain what a map legend is and identify 10 map symbols.
What to explain
- A map legend explains what the symbols on the map mean.
- Map symbols can show things like roads, trails, water, buildings, contour lines, boundaries, campgrounds, bridges, and other landmarks.
- Be ready to point out 10 symbols and explain each meaning clearly.
9b Map legend and map symbols locked
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9c Text-message symbols and emoticons
Discuss text-message symbols, explain why people use them, and give 10 examples of symbols or emoticons you like.
Why they are used
- Text symbols and emoticons can save time, show emotion, and make short messages clearer or more expressive.
- They also create quick visual shorthand that people recognize in digital communication.
What to prepare
- Pick 10 text-message symbols, emoji, or emoticons you like.
- Be ready to explain what each one means and see whether a parent, guardian, or counselor can identify them too.
9c Text-message symbols and emoticons locked
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Jump To A Requirement
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Requirement 1
Importance and History
Open requirement
Requirement 2
Emergency Signaling
Open requirement
Requirement 3
Morse Code and ASL
Open requirement
Requirement 4
Semaphore and Flags
Open requirement
Requirement 5
Braille
Open requirement
Requirement 6
Sound and Silent Signals
Open requirement
Requirement 7
Trail Signs and Markers
Open requirement
Requirement 8
Specialized Signal Activities
Open requirement
Requirement 9
Symbols and Signs
Current requirement
Requirement 10
Secret Codes and Cryptography
Open requirement