Title: Mapping the Classroom  | National Geographic Society
Headings: Mapping the Classroom
Mapping the Classroom
Informal Assessment
Extending the Learning
Tips & Modifications

Content: Use maps, globes, and other simple geographic models to identify cultural and environmental characteristics of places. What You’ll Need
Materials You Provide
Butcher paper
Construction paper
Markers
Small objects to hide, such as marbles, plastic animals, or eggs
Removable tape or glue
Safety scissors
Sticky notes
Resources Provided
The resources are also available at the top of the page. Required Technology
Internet Access: Optional
Tech Setup: 1 computer per classroom, Projector
Physical Space
Classroom
Other Notes
Prepare items from Step 1 before beginning the activity with students. These include the classroom map outline, paper shapes for furniture, and sticky notes with students’ names. In Practice
Find resources that show best teaching practices and example student outcomes for this activity. Picture of Practice
Mapping the Classroom
Background Information
Learning to use and create maps builds students’ spatial thinking skills as well as language skills in the early years. Spatial thinking is important for students to develop as they connect the “why of where” in geography, Earth and environmental sciences, and history. Spatial thinking is also positively correlated with success in math and science, as it involves knowing and understanding spatial concepts and relations, how we represent those concepts and relations in different ways, and also how we can reason with spatial information.