TITLE:  MAP MAKING

AUTHOR:  Linda Bauck; Wallowa Elementary, OR

GRADE LEVEL/SUBJECT:  4 - 6; Social Studies - Map Skills

OVERVIEW:  Students usually do not view map making as
something that is done by people.  This activity acquaints
students with some of the problems associated with map
making, especially with transferring a round shape into a
flat shape.  It also raises their awareness of location of
continents, latitude and longitude, and other map skills.

PURPOSE:  A map is a representation of all or part of the
surface of the earth on a plane.  This activity will
acquaint students with some of the problems associated with
map making.

OBJECTIVES:
1.  The students will become aware of the placement of
    continents and oceans by drawing them on a handmade
    globe.
2.  The students will become aware of the placement of
    the equator, the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of
    Capricorn and the North and South Poles by drawing
    them on the handmade globe.
3.  The students will make a flat map from their globe by
    cutting it with scissors and laying it flat.

RESOURCES/MATERIALS:
  1/2 sheet of 8 1/2" X 11" paper for each student (scrap
paper is good)
  One tennis ball (or soft ball)for each student
  scissors, tape, pencils

ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:
1.   Using 1/2 sheet of paper, wrap a tennis ball.  The
     wrapping should have not wrinkles or overlapping on the
     paper.  The paper may be cut if the student feels that
     will help.  Tape the wrapping in place.
2.   Sketch the continents on the map in the correct places.
     Add the North and South Poles, the Equator, and the
     Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.
3.   Compare it to a commercial globe in the room and
     discuss.  Make adjustments as necessary.
4.   When the covering is completed, remove it from the
     tennis ball.  Lay it flat on the desk and study the
     "map of the world.
5.   Discuss the good/bad features in the conclusions.
6.   Compare it to a flat map in the atlas.
7.   The teacher is a facilitator in this activity.  It is
     important to emphasize that each student will find
     their own solution - that there is no one "right"
     answer.

TYING IT ALL TOGETHER:
1.   This is a very effective first day activity to
     introduce, not only a map unit, but to set the class
     tone for emphasizing problem solving as a way of doing
     things.
2.   Stress that each student can develop their own strategy
     but can get ideas by looking around the room.
3.   Be sure to discuss problems involved and the many ways
     in which they were solved in executing the activity.
4.   Relate the activity to early cartography, the various
     flat map designs, early explorers, etc.