I wrote earlier about the map created by Robert Louis Stevenson before he wrote Treasure Island. I especially liked his quote – that maps have:
the power of infinite, eloquent suggestion.
I suggested that we need to use geographic tools and powerful maps to create engaging activities for our kids:
Not one of those cheesy, sad outline maps that comes as part of your textbook’s supplementary materials package. I’m talking about a map with depth and richness and mystery, one full of questions and possibility.
And what should I come across this week but another great map. Several of us were exploring the wonderful MyLOC web site and ran across a lesson plan and materials connected to Martin Waldseemuller’s 1507 world map.
Like the Treasure Island map, the Waldseemuller map is another example a map with “depth and richness and mystery, one full of questions and possibility.” There are several nice tools that you can use with the map:
- a LOC press release with some nice background
- a site with more info on the map itself
- a LOC page with a direct link to downloading the map
- a LOC lesson plan page
- an interactive site that lets you dig deeper into the map
If you’ve not done much with maps before, this is a quick and easy way to dig into a wonderfully engaging tool. If you already feel comfortable with using maps, adapt the lessons and materials in a way that best fits your kids. Either way, students will walk away knowing more!
From my own opinion: Students view maps as a boring venture in the classroom, but if the map can give mystery and allow discovery, students will be more interested in learning about the development of cartography! The links listed are extremely helpful! Thanks!