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Exploring The
Denali Region Unit

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Thematic Mapmaking

Lesson Plan
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Purpose:
Familiarize students with the purpose of thematic maps, and the many different formats these maps can take. By showing several examples, and providing students with the raw data they need, students will have an opportunity to artistically create their own map that includes elements of Alaska interesting them. In addition to providing an artistic outlet and a fun way to learn about Alaska, students will learn about thematic maps, and the potential information they can convey.
Objectives:
Students will:
  • Learn about Thematic Maps
  • Decide the information they want to convey, and create a graphical representation
  • Artistically create a thematic map
  • Learn about Alaska, the most remote state in the US
Relevant fields:
  • Art
  • Science
  • Social Sciences - Maps
  • Geography - US
Necessary Materials:
  • Blank Map, available here, for students to create their own thematic map
  • Computer, with Internet - linked to the "From Alaska" site
  • Crayons, Pens, Markers or Pencils
  • Atlas - to show a variety of maps (optional, but recommended)
Procedure: (for printable PDF file, click here)

1. Show students the video segment "Exploring the Denali Region"

2. Discuss what a map is:
  • What do you know about maps?
  • What can maps tell us?
  • How many different types of maps are there?
  • How are 'treasure maps' different from 'road maps'?
    • (Treasure maps talk show where something in particular is hidden, whereas roadmaps show you where all roads are located)

    'If you were visiting Alaska, how would a map help you?'

    3. Read (or summarize) this paragraph:

    In this lesson, you will get a chance to make a 'Thematic Map' for you to take along on your trip to Alaska. What would you like to do while in Alaska? What would you like to see? A thematic map can help you in your journey. While in Alaska, would you like to see a moose? Well, there are some places better than others to find moose - and you can mark those areas by drawing a moose on your map! Would you want to go gold mining? Certain rivers have more gold then others - you can mark the rivers that have gold by drawing something that represents gold.

    Go to the website, (write on board) "student.fromalaska.org"[-coming soon!], and decide what you want to do or see in Alaska. Once you have decided on the things you want to do, click the link to find out where you can see or do it. Locate the region on the map I will pass out to you, and draw a picture on that map which will help you remember where you can find what you are looking for. Be careful not to draw something in the wrong spot: You would hate to raft down a river that isn't safe to raft down, or look for gold where there isn't any!

    (Provide any additional instructions now for students, including when maps are due.)

    Additional Resources:

    USGS Thematic Map teacher page:
    http://interactive2.usgs.gov/learningweb/textonly/teachers/
    exploremaps_guide3.htm

    Provides Additional Map Lessons, all grades:
    http://www.proteacher.com/090030.shtml

    Orienteering, grades K-4:
    http://www.ofcn.org/cyber.serv/academy/ace/soc/cecsst/cecsst115.html

    Map Making, grades 4-6:
    http://www.ofcn.org/cyber.serv/academy/ace/soc/cecsst/cecsst116.html

    Hundreds of links for Geography Teachers:
    http://members.aol.com/bowermanb/teach.html

    Alaska Maps, current and historical:
    http://www.welcometoalaska.com/maps.htm

    Printable Alaska Maps, with quiz handouts (K-4):
    http://search.EnchantedLearning.com/cgi-bin/uncgi/search?key=alaska+map

    Census Information displayed in Thematic Maps - Students select what the map shows:
    http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/maps/thematic/

    Extensions:
    • Print out a map of the school grounds and have students graphically depict what goes on where - this can include elements such as where students eat lunch, where buses park, location of fire exits, computer labs, etc.

    • Print out a local region map - have students graphically represent their activities

    • Print out a map of other states and/or countries - have students graphically represent things about each area
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