Geography · Week 2 · Thinking Spatially: Maps, Places, and Regions
Maps Tell Stories
Comparing map projections and who made them, and noticing how choices about what a map shows can shape feelings and judgments.
- Students will
- Students use geospatial representations to explain how map choices such as projection, scale, and focus shape what viewers see (NGS 1), and evaluate how mapmakers' decisions influence conclusions.
- SEL skill
- Pause a first reaction and check it against evidence before judging a source
- What it looks like
- Students notice how a first emotional reaction to a map can steer a judgment and use it to think more carefully.
- Content focus
- Maps Tell Stories
- Format
- Collaborative analysis
Responsible decision-making
Responsible decision-making means making caring, constructive choices by thinking about ethics, safety, and the consequences of what you decide. More responsible decision-making activities
What you get
A teacher guide with what to say, step by step, plus student pages and a supports page for students with diverse learning needs, including those with IEPs. Print or Project it, or assign it in Google Forms and Google Docs for Google Classroom. Your first 10 activities are free.
Standards
- NGS.1: National Geography Standard 1
- CA HSS Analysis Skill: HREP2 Identify bias and prejudice in historical interpretations. (Historical Research, Evidence, and Point of View)
- C3 Framework (national): D2.Geo.1.9-12 Use geospatial and related technologies to create maps that display and explain spatial patterns of cultural and environmental characteristics.
- Literacy in history: RH.9-10.7 Integrate quantitative or technical analysis, such as charts and maps, with information in a text.
More responsible decision-making activities for Geography
- How Towns Grow Responsible decision-makingAnalyzing why settlements like Indio grew along water, rail lines, and highways and weighing growth decisions where neighbors want different things.
- Water in a Thirsty Land Responsible decision-makingExamining how wells, canals, and Colorado River water turned the desert into farmland and how different groups negotiate scarce water fairly.
- Planning the Valley's Future Responsible decision-makingUsing geography to propose a plan for a cooler, greener neighborhood and setting a hopeful goal students can work toward.
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RoseThread Connect activities are drafted with the help of AI and shaped by educators. Students never have to share anything personal. Our five SEL skills are informed by CASEL's SEL Framework; RoseThread Learning is not affiliated with or endorsed by CASEL.