ELEMENTARY GEOGRAPHY
Part One: What's a map, anyway?

Before we get to Tennessee, let's talk about maps in general.

A student made this map.
If you don't already know, a map is a picture of how things are arranged. Maps show you where things are, and are drawn as if they are looking down at the ground from up in the air.

One of the best ways to learn about maps is to make one. Here's an exercise to do at school, or at home. Get out a sheet of paper and some pencils, erasers and crayons. Draw a map of something. Maybe your school. Maybe your home and the area immediately around it. Maybe even your classroom.
Teachers: this exercise, that of having students draw a map of something, can be a wonderful learning experience for everyone involved. The trick here is to let students use individual creativity while at the same time trying to get them to create maps that have some degree of accuracy and meaning. We recommend a book called Mapmaking with Children by David Sobel.

Now let's talk about things that go on maps. Click here.

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