In this map making instructional activity, learners learn about the science of making maps, which is cartography. They then answer the 11 questions on the instructional activity. The answers are on the last page.

Students research about cartography and how to be a cartographer. In this math lesson, students draw a map of their classroom. They use a robot to explore navigation using a compass rose.

Students follow directions to draw a map of an island. They complete the island map adding their own details using symbols and a legend.

Students practice cartography using GIS technology. They create a map of Austin using GIS and aerial photos.

Students examine topographical maps and the challenges faced by cartographers when drawing the maps. While creating collages, they use contour lines to add dimension much in the same way they are used on maps to show elevation.

Links to two different versions of this mapping activity are available. In "The Small Version," youngsters design a town, keeping the water supply in mind. In "The Large Version," they also design a town, but they consider services and...

Students, in groups, explore the school grounds and organize their findings according to the five themes of geography. They take notes and sketch the grounds. Students divide the school and grounds into regions based on use.

Students map and describe a small area of the schoolyard.

High schoolers examine the theory of finding latitude and discuss the uses of an astrolabe, cross-staff and octant. They determine an Astronomical Table for their classroom.

Ninth graders describe latitude and longitude and how they may be useful to find things on a map.  In this cartography lesson students divide into groups and devise a coordinate system that can be used to communicate a position. 

In this geography instructional activity, students read an excerpt about aerial photographs and how they are taken. Then they identify shape, size, tone, shadows, and other hints that might be seen. Finally, students respond to 5 short...

Students view satellite pictures of the ocean, and discuss the presence of phytoplankton and the colors of the ocean. Students compare/contrast ocean satellite images with maps and globes, then color world maps to replicate the satellite...

Learners study tree identification. In this tree identification lesson, students design and assemble a tree tour booklet describing 5 trees found in their community. The booklet should feature common and Latin names of the species, a...

Students study both geological and geographical features of Connecticut and the New Haven area. They focus on map works and rock formation.

Students study the Canadian North. In this Canadian North lesson, students study the physical characteristics and the lifestyles of people in that region. Students complete map making and creative activities that help them learn about...

Students are introduced to the concept of species habitats and ranges. They introduced to ArcView GIS as a tool for mapping. Pupils use query data for species withina county, elevation, range, rivers and streams, land cover, and etc....

Students examine the descriptive science dealing with the surface of Earth, its division into continents and countries, climate, natural resources, inhabitants and industries of the various divisions and analyze the political geography...

High schoolers ask questions and prepare responses to Meriwether Lewis and his expedition. In this journal instructional activity students present their questions to the class.

This is a complete glossary of cartographic terms pertaining to maps of the United States.

Geographic information systems (GIS), once used predominantly by experts in cartography and computer programming, have become pervasive in everyday business and consumer use. This unit explores GIS in general as a technology about which...

In this mapping field lab middle schoolers determine the elevation of a given object in a designated area on the school campus using cartography tools. Then they use of these tools to create a contour map of the area.

Geographic information systems (GIS) are important technology that allows rapid study and use of spatial information. GIS have become increasingly prevalent in industry and the consumer/internet world in the last 20 years. Historically,...

Projections and coordinates are key advancements in the geographic sciences that allow us to better understand the nature of the Earth and how to describe location. These innovations in describing the Earth are the basis for everything...

This site from the University of Arizona provides a background of Ptolemy's profound influence in the areas of astronomy, geography, and cartography. Includes good pictures and related links.