A map activity is a fun and interactive way to introduce kids to the concept of spatial thinking. Whether you’re teaching an elementary school kid about cities or a college student about continents, maps are a great way to demonstrate the scale of things. This is especially true when they’re used in conjunction with other activities. For instance, you could incorporate a bordered sheet to show students what’s around them. You can also use a QR code reader on a smartphone or iPad to get students involved.

One of the best map skills to teach is how to read a map. There are plenty of resources online to help you do this. The New York Times has a comprehensive article on how to make an illustrated map. It includes an example and some good questions to ask your class.

Another fun activity is to draw a map of your own house. Use this as a jumping off point for discussions about what is important to you. Make sure to add in some landmarks, such as your local library or a church. If you’re a scout leader, this The Activity Map is a great activity to give your troops.

If you’re looking for a more hands-on way to learn about map making, consider using a large build-a-map tool. Kids can work in groups to create their own maps. Some of the more advanced versions offer a wide variety of options. Students can include icons for important buildings and landmarks.

The concept of mapping is not new, but it has been enhanced with the proliferation of technology. Maps can now incorporate a range of media, from maps to photographs. You can also add data sets to existing maps. These may be an awe inspiring sight to some adults, but they’re a fantastic tool for youngsters.

There are many other ways to introduce students to the concept of maps. Depending on the age group and grade level, a variety of map-related games and activities can be implemented. Most of these are easy to implement and fun to perform. Several of these games can be found in a collection of map activity printables. They’re all easy to print and color, and are a perfect way to teach your students the importance of geography.

In addition to the old fashioned mapmaking, you can also do things like trace a map, use a GPS or follow directions on Google Maps. Obviously, you’ll need an adult to supervise these activities.

Other ways to show your students the big picture are to break them up into small groups. These smaller groups can allow for more in-depth practice and practice with the target language. By utilizing the Primary Source Analysis Tool from the Library, you can keep track of student understanding of the connections between the various pieces of information. Similarly, a gallery walk will let your students see how others have incorporated the concepts.

Another interesting map activity to try is the compass exercise. Explain to your kids the compass’s various uses. Using a cardboard compass is a fun way to teach younger kids about how to use it.