Sticky post

Mythical Cartography: A Creative Way to Foster an Explorer Mindset

If I want to create a dark world of intrigue and evil, how can I communicate that story through mapmaking? What shape might my landforms take? What colors or shading might I select? What fonts and place-names might evoke a sense of danger? Going deeper, how can I connect to cartographic traditions and the human journey while taking a step forward, away from colonial perspectives that linger on some current maps? The possible conversations and lessons here are limitless. Mapmaking can help students develop a sense of responsibility and respect for other people, cultures, and the natural world, thus helping build an Explorer Mindset. Continue reading Mythical Cartography: A Creative Way to Foster an Explorer Mindset

Art and Geography

Two of my loves in life are art and geography; and, it seems, there are others that share my passions. An increasing number of artists are incorporating the themes of geography into their art. Meet a few during American Artist Appreciation Month! Valerie Ostenak Celebrating nature, celebrating the diversity of things that are growing, I’m part of the creative part of the universe. Valerie Ostenak … Continue reading Art and Geography

Check out ‘Map of the Day’!

Our esteemed cartographic colleagues at National Geographic Maps have a new feature we hope will be as habitual as your morning cup of coffee, and a great go-to as you return to class. (For instructional supports, just scroll down!) Map of the Day! National Geographic has compiled a digital archive of its entire editorial cartography collection—every map ever published in the magazine since the first issue … Continue reading Check out ‘Map of the Day’!

Mapping a World at War

WORLD A new interactive map highlights the shocking number of ongoing violent conflicts around the world. (Geographical) Watch our video series on “The Conflict Zone” to better understand how citizens can navigate a positive discourse amid violent conflict. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. There is a great round-up of resources today! Discussion Ideas IRIN’s new visualization of … Continue reading Mapping a World at War

Driftwood Cartography

GEOGRAPHY As a source of information, a map is always a way of groping through the darkness of the unknown. But locating yourself in space has never been cartography’s sole function: like these driftwood pieces, maps inevitably chart how cultures perceive not only their landscapes but their lives. (Guardian) How did other indigenous islanders map their lives? Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of … Continue reading Driftwood Cartography