Tips for creating a map-based activity for a classroom topic
I recently worked on a new activity to explore and understand Redistricting and Gerrymandering through maps. The patterns I used might help a teacher make an activity that reinforces a topic for their classroom by incorporating maps. Here are some tips for making your own map activity on a topic for one of your classes:
- Keep it about the impact of maps on understanding the topic
- Embed maps
- Provide specific steps to take with embedded maps
- Encourage exploration of embedded maps
- Provide checks for understanding
- Don't ignore other important learning patterns
Let's dive deeper into each of these tips.
1. Keep it about the impact of maps on understanding the topic
My activity is focused on using maps to make redistricting easier to understand. I don't introduce the topic of redistricting from the ground up – I want the introduction to be controlled by each teacher who uses the activity. At the same time, I include enough background information so that students can see the tie between the map and the topic.
Take away: Explain, but keep it brief and map-oriented. Focus on the threads of the topic that maps bring to life.
2. Embed maps
Embedding the maps retains the reader's attention within the activity and increases the percentage who complete the full activity. It is hard to get attention back once you’ve put a reader onto another page. Using an ArcGIS StoryMap, I put all the maps, images, text, and other resources right in the flow of the activity. My reader stays in the activity universe I've created and can progress through on the topic while also interacting with the maps.
Take away: StoryMaps are great containers for map-based activities.
3. Provide specific steps to take with embedded maps
Maps can be unfamiliar and guided exploration initiates engagement by removing insecurities around how to use the map. Give the students the precise, detailed steps to take to use the map to see the connection to the topic. Manipulating the maps themselves gets students hands-on with the topic of study, increasing their engagement and connection to the content. As a bonus, your students also build their skills for working with digital maps while learning about your topic.
Take away: Tell the reader exactly what to do with some maps.
4. Encourage exploration of embedded maps
Focus the student not on what button to push, but on exploring and seeing patterns and questions that you can answer with the help of a map. Ask questions you don't have explicit steps to solve – for example, by applying what they are learning to their own location.
Take away: Encourage exploration with some maps.
5. Provide checks for understanding
Focus the reader on key points by asking questions and reinforcing what the reader should be learning from the maps throughout your StoryMap. Consider numbering the questions throughout your text so that students can turn in answers to them as part of your assignment. Using a different color or style for the font for your questions helps separate the questions from the text and helps students identify that they need to provide a response.
Take-away: Reinforce key points through questions and reflection.
6. Don’t ignore other important learning patterns
Some design choices were made that weren't directly impacted by the use of maps. I used sections and chunks within the activity so that it doesn't have to be completed all at once. Standards and outcomes are included to help teachers see how the material fits into their curriculum.
Take away: Don't forget what you already know about designing a good activity – just add maps.
Wrap-up
What topic are you going to turn into a map-supported activity? Comment and share what you want to make, or what you have made.