Lesson Plan
Library of Virginia

Virginia Memory: Blank Space: Mapping the Unknown

For Teachers 9th - 10th
How did early maps show the mapmakers' perception of the known world? Early mapmakers used maps drawn from coastal explorations, land travels, and even information heard word of mouth from American Indians or from colonists or traders....
Activity
Rice University

Rice Univ.: Cynthia Lanius: Mathematics of Cartography: Mathematics Problems

For Students 9th - 10th
Web-based cartography exercises based on the online "How far is it" distance caclulator.
Lesson Plan
American Geosciences Institute

American Geosciences Institute: Earth Science Week: Find Your Bearing: Mapping

For Teachers 9th - 10th
In this exercise, students use compasses to make a map of the school's campus.
Handout
Mariners' Museum and Park

Age of Exploration: Changing View of the World: The Development of Map Making

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Read a summary of the history of map-making and the maps that were produced as a result of European exploration in the Americas. See examples of these maps and find out more about each one in this exhibit from the Mariners' Museum.
Website
City University of New York

Map Projection Basics: Bits of Map Projection History

For Students 9th - 10th
Surveys the ideas of Claudius Ptolemy (90-170 AD) in regard to the shape of the world and his influence on the history of mapmaking.
Handout
City University of New York

Choosing a Map Projection: In Search of a Good Map Projection

For Students 9th - 10th
College-level geography tipsheet for developing an appropriate map projection.