Mapping Resources

Mapping Your School Yard from the United States Geological Survey: This series of lesson plans guides you through the process of creating a map of your schoolyard with special reference to rocks and geology, though Lesson 1 can be used for any kind of field study. Me on the Map from the Utah Education Network: […]

Sample Field Map Sketches

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Mapping Glossary

Definition of legend and geography from: The American Heritage Dictionary/ of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/geography. Definition of reference frame from: www.dpc.ucar.edu/VoyagerJr/glossary.html Definition of sketch map from: http://dictionary.reference.com/ *Definition adapted from: Armantrout, N. B. compiler. 1998. Glossary of aquatic habitat inventory terminology. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland. #Definition adapted from: Krygier, […]

Extension Activities

There are many opportunities to extend and expand the activities listed in this module. Several examples are listed below. Extension 1 Decide which types of plants or wildlife you would like to attract to your field site. Does the site provide the necessary food, water, shelter, and space? If not, what could be done to […]

Mapping With Google Earth

Required Materials Computer with Google Earth downloaded to the desktop Notebook (or sheets of drawing paper) Pencils or pens   What is Google Earth? Using a computer, Google Earth lets you view the Earth and explore galaxies in the sky above using satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and maps. It allows you to use your mouse, […]

Schoolyard Mapping Activity

In order to use a field site at or near your school as a “natural laboratory”, a good starting point is to create your own sketch map of the area. This will help you: Observe natural and human features at a field study site; Represent features graphically; Explore how the field site changes over time. […]

How Are Maps Used in Science?

It is possible to discover relationships between different phenomena by analyzing map information.  The process of creating a map is a form of scientific examination. The art of making maps is called cartography. While professional map-makers are called cartographers, many other types of scientists make and use maps. Let’s look at a few examples of […]

What Are Maps?

A map is a geographic representation of objects or facts that are observable in our universe. Maps are pictures that communicate a sense of place and document the features of that place. They help us record and explain the geography that surrounds us – creating a snapshot of the land, its inhabitants and the things […]

Module 1:
Mapping

After completing the field mapping module, you will be able to: Explain what maps are and how they are useful; Demonstrate an understanding of mapping terminology; Identify different categories of maps and how maps are used in science; Interpret information presented in maps; Discuss how maps are created; Create a field map that can be […]