Amy Kennedy led her sixth-grade students in evaluating map projections based on accuracy and bias. Students wrote letters to the U.S. Secretary of Education explaining which map projection they think should be used in schools. Continue reading Educator Spotlight: Evaluating Map Projections
GEOGRAPHY Students throughout Boston are getting a radically different view of the world, one map projection at a time. (NPR) Why is designing a world map so difficult? Use our activity to better understand what distortions occur when modeling a spherical surface on a flat map. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas Boston Public Schools … Continue reading A Whole New World in Boston Public Schools
GEOGRAPHY Three towns in North Dakota have competing claims to the geographic center of North America. (New York Times) Put yourself in the center of North America with our Giant Traveling Map! Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit, including today’s MapMaker Interactive map. Discussion Ideas The New York Times article describes three towns identified as the “center … Continue reading The Center of North America is Probably in Center
GEOGRAPHY Maps and mongrels and metros, oh my! Researchers at an MIT lab have devised a way to determine how well commuters can comprehend a subway map—in a glance. (Fast Company, great article!) Use our resources to better understand public transportation, and how to map it. Discussion Ideas Look through our GeoStory “Public Transportation,” which provides maps for buses, trains, and metros. (Maps are not … Continue reading Building a Better Subway Map
