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                              mapmaking

Instructional Activities Teacher's Reflection

Learning Objectives

  1. SWBAT define the term map, and explain its uses
  2. SWBAT recognize bias in maps.
  3. SWBAT create a map of their own, focusing on personal images.
  4. SWBAT write an artist statement, explaining their concepts within the map.

Essential Questions:

What is a map?  What are its uses?  Are maps objective?  How does mapping fit into this unit?  

Materials:

A variety of maps--old, new, political, environmental...

Fanelli, Sara.  My Map Book.

Conceptual mapping examples

variety of media

*cartographer (if possible)

Activities:

After a brief intro, ask students to break into small groups, having one person as leader, another as recorder and answer the four questions above.  Then get into a big group and discuss the answers.

If at all possible, follow up this conversation with having a local cartographer come and talk about how maps are made, and issues regarding mapmaking, including politics and biases.  If a cartographer is not possible, lead a discussion yourself, perhaps comparing and contrasting a map from the Middle Ages, from the 1800s, and a current map.  Put up a map and have students in small groups come up with possible biases within the map.

Next, introduce the artmaking activity(s)...The students can have some choices...

1).  Using a map as a beginning point, design a personal map that plots your route from home to school, focusing on a personal interpretation, instead of a literal one.  Think about including a legend and compass.

2)  Students can choose a "place" special to them, whether or not it is geographical (anywhere from heart and soul to beach and dog).  Again, think about using a legend and compass.

Show students examples from both activities--read them Sara Fanelli's whimsical book, and get examples of the home to school conceptual map here .

Students then write an artist's statement explaining the concepts behind their map.

Assessment:

Small group and in class participation, rubric for activity which includes effort, use of elements and principles, artist statement...

Introductory Question: What is a map? 

 This teaches students to be discerners, that even maps have biases built into them.  Also teaches students conceptual mapping--to think beyond the traditional idea of a map as charting a physical place to also include personal, figurative images.