Build Your Own Map
This lesson challenges learners to design and build a 3D model map of a chosen area, such as their neighborhood or a fictional land. They will use common household materials to represent geographic features and landmarks, understanding the importance of maps in daily life.
The lesson goal is in this spark, your learner will identify and represent key physical and human features on a map, understand basic concepts of scale and perspective in mapmaking and construct a 3D model to illustrate geographical elevation and landmarks.
What You Need
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Learning Guide
Step-by-step guidance. No preparation required.
- 1
Introduction5 Min
- Discuss maps and their uses.
- Move on when Student shares an experience or idea about maps.
Photo by Lara Jameson on Pexels - 2
Explore & Plan8 Min
- Choose a map area.
- Brainstorm key features.
- Plan 3D representation.
- Move on when Student has chosen an area, brainstormed key features, and made initial plans for their 3D representation.
Photo by Sonny Sixteen on Pexels - 3
Discussion6 Min
- Discuss mapmaking challenges and clarity.
- Move on when Student can explain some challenges of mapmaking and the purpose of symbols/keys.
Photo by Tosin Olowoleni on Pexels - 4
Activity9 Min
- Sketch the map's general shape.
- Crumple paper for elevations.
- Secure elevations with tape.
- Draw details with markers.
- Add labels or a simple key.
- Move on when Student has completed the physical 3D map model.
Photo by Robbe Jaspers on Pexels - 5
Summary2 Min
- Celebrate and reflect on the map.
- Move on when Student shares one key takeaway or reflection about mapmaking.
Photo by Marina Leonova on Pexels
Personalize The Spark
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