The third supporting question, “why is north ‘up’?” helps students think through the challenges cartographers (map makers) encounter in depicting a physical place through text and graphic images. Have students work in groups or individually to do an internet image search for “upside down” maps or south oriented maps. Facilitate a classroom discussion for what they find. Have them also search for “why is north “up?” Discuss the process of mapmaking starting with what students already know. How and why did different map conventions develop? Discuss standards, common practices, and conventions they are familiar with. How are maps traditionally oriented? How is scale usually determined? How do mapmakers indicate data and other information for readers (such as a map key)? How have mapmakers dealt with the problem of projection—or transferring—a round shape to a flat surface? Compare and contrast how map conventions have changed over time and with different cultures. How do students know what they already know? Talk about what their knowledge is based on. Complete the following task using the sources provided to build a context of the time period and topic being examined.
Formative Performance Task 3
Students will each create a map of their own. Educators are encouraged to adapt the task to meet the needs and interests of their students and the amount of time they have available. Students can all be assigned a similar focus, such as drawing a map of their community, or allowed greater latitude to choose the subjects of their maps. They should include standard map elements to communicate what information is being shared with the reader such as: cardinal directions, symbols, scale, a key, and one or more graphic depictions of a physical space that represents their lives (a building, a city block, a community, different locations within a county or state, etc.). How do they decide to communicate important information to their classmates?
Featured Sources 3
Students will draw inspiration from their own lives and communities.