Using Field Sketch Mapping to Teach Basic Mapping Concepts in Elementary School Geography

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Abstract
Field mapping is a useful way to introduce a number of mapping concepts to elementary school students. Concepts such as scale and distance are difficult to comprehend when presented using wall maps. Sketch maps allow the students to make measurements themselves and see how to use those measurements to make a map. This paper describes a field sketch mapping project conducted with a sixth grade class. The project involved selecting appropriate sites around the school to map, organizing the students, and instructing them about measuring distances and drawing their maps. Organization and preparation were important elements. Students enjoyed the mapping exercise. They were able to make reasonably accurate measurements, they got to see how scale relates ground distances to map distances, and they experienced creating a map from a blank sheet of paper and a simple set of measurements.

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