What Do Maps Tell Us About Our World?

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This inquiry explores the impact of railroad development in North Dakota through the investigation of the compelling question “what do maps tell us about our world?” The importance of understanding maps and what information they can tell us in this inquiry is twofold: (1) students should be able to understand what kind of information maps can tell us and (2) students will understand the process through which Europeans and Americans settled North Dakota and built communities. While progressing through the inquiry, students will analyze the changes occurring to both natural and cultural resources.

This inquiry is expected to take one to two class periods; however, teachers are encouraged to adapt the inquiry to meet the needs and interests of their students and the amount of time they have available.

Inquiry Design Model (IDM) Blueprint™
Compelling Question
What do maps tell us about our world?
Standards and Practices
ND.6_12.1.3 Interpret current thematic maps to identify where people live and work and how land is used.
Staging the Question
Examine the transportation network in your local community and larger region.
Supporting Question 1
Supporting Question 2
Supporting Question 3
What aspect or change played the most critical role in the modernization and development of the United States after the end of the Civil War?
How did the railroads impact community development in North Dakota?
How did the railroads impact immigration in North Dakota?
Formative Performance Task
Formative Performance Task
Formative Performance Task
Create a graphic organizer identifying what is significant about the featured source.
Study railroad development through several maps and share in class how the railroads drove community development in North Dakota.
Using the internet and library resources, students will conduct research and write a summary of how railroads influenced immigration, settlement, and community building in North Dakota.
Featured Sources
Featured Sources
Featured Sources
  • Nebraska Territory 1857
  • NPRR 1871
  • Asher & Adams Map of Dakota 1873
  • Railroad and County Map of Dakota 1884
  • Colton’s Map of Dakota 1885
  • Railroad Commissioner’s Map 1913
  • RR Map of ND 1994
  • Internet and library resources
Summative Performance Task
Argument
What role did railroads have in the settlement of the American West? Construct an argument that addresses the compelling question using specific claims and relevant evidence from historical sources while acknowledging competing views. Create a poster and present your argument to your class with evidence to support your claims.
Extension
What factors have shaped U.S. immigration policy over time?
Taking Informed Action

Understand: Discuss primary means by which people, goods, and services are transported to and from your community. What transportation modes have the biggest impact on your community today? Has it always been like that? If not, how has it changed over time?

Assess: Create a transportation map of your community. Show the places you go to frequently and depict the transportation method you use to get there.

Act: Invite a local transportation leader to speak to your class about the local issues they deal with—depending on the size of your community you may have a county engineer, someone from a railroad company, school or city bus company, or even an airport administrator.