Who doesn’t like a good map?

You don’t have to be a cartographer to enjoy National Geographic’s updated Map Maker site.  You can create a free account and then either browse their collection or make your own map. 

Click here for their fall updates and to get started.

How many cities can you name?

Other than the geography aspects of this game, I found the population comparison interesting.  I didn’t realize Sayreville is about half the population of Trenton. This game is located here and reviewed in Richard Byrne’s (Free Technology for Teachers) post here. There is also a European version.

Maps and the USA

If American history and maps are your thing, you are going to enjoy this blog post by Richard Byrne (Free Technology for Teachers).  Watch the US change and grow through a series of interactive maps.

More from ReadWorks

Earlier this month, I posted about ReadWorks here- did you know they have geography articles for your students (and this time of year always seems to be the map unit). Create a free account and check these out! (Login and search on Geography). And there are science articles as well!

Map Reading

I’ve been in many elementary classrooms where I can tell by the material on the board that map reading is on the agenda.  Here’s an interactive site from the National Park Service that might help your students.  For the complete post from TeachersFirst, please click here.

More than a Map

In this interesting lesson plan (from the New York Times Learning Center), explore how maps can be used to to help students understand global events.  From understanding map vocabulary to using history to view current events, your students will hone both map and critical thinking skills.

Looking to practice with a compass rose?

This is for all my second grade friends who are learning map skills!  Over the Edge is a cute game that will give your students practice using both primary and intermediate directions.  While I never heard the characters mention “We Never Eat Soggy Waffles”- after playing this game (either in a station or on a SMARTBoard), they will be experts!  

For the complete post from TeachersFirst, please click here.