Be sure to check out the conclusion, discussion questions and ideas to take it further.
This unit has reviewed geographic information for students. In the process the students earned their passport to travel as “Virtual Tourists”. Also students studied a favorite area of the world in-depth and shared it as a guidebook and class presentation. In the process students have improved their ability to use and analyze maps and use other tools of the geographer. They also have been exposed to a number of different types of thematic maps. After completing the Web Quest, students should be able to locate map materials and understand the basics of creating maps. This broad base of geographic information should help them as they apply what they have learned throughout the course of study.
Discussion Questions
Directions: You may want to use some of the discussion questions below to wrap up the unit.
- Why use maps?
- What factors would you consider if you decided to move to a new town or city?
- Why would maps that have only black and white on them be challenging to use?
- What would the world be like with no maps to guide us?
- Are maps always accurate?
- What elements are needed in order for a map to be complete?
- How does geography apply to your life?
- How would your life be changed if no maps existed?
- How has aerial photography changed map-making?
- What do geographers use besides maps?
- Why study geography?
- What kinds of careers might a geography major pursue?
- What is the most amazing use of maps that you have ever seen?
- How can maps and other geographic tools help us to learn more about our lives as well as more about different places around the world?
- List all the different kinds of maps you can think of.. See the enclosed link for a starting list.
- How do you find your way when you travel?
Ideas to take it further:
Plan and create a deck of 26 playing cards. Each of the cards should feature a different geographic term. Illustrate and provide a short definition for each. Then when you are done create a review game using your cards.
Make a map of your street, neighborhood, town or city. Then either write a paper or draw a map to show what you think it will look like in the future.
Find panoramic maps for the same city in two different time periods. The panoramic map collection of the Library of Congress may offer some good starting points. Then print them off and analyze the changes in the city over time.
Create a Geography Jeopardy Game for the class to try. Be sure to include the categories, questions and answers.
Make a treasure map that includes all the important map elements. The treasure should be located somewhere on campus. On the due date you might be asked to have another group of students try and find your treasure using your map only without any verbal directions.
