2003 Everyday Maps Institute Participants Produce Map-Based Curriculum Materials for Grades K–12

In July 2003, 25 teachers from across the country convened at the Newberry Library for the Everyday Maps: Teaching and Historical Contexts institute. During the institute participants heard lectures given by a faculty of scholars representing the fields of history, art history, geography, cartography, and literature. They also participated in workshop sessions designed to develop map analysis skills. Participants worked in pairs to apply knowledge gained in the lectures and workshops to create their own map-based lesson plans. In many cases, participants chose to use maps from the Newberry’s collections for their lesson plans. However, in keeping with the institute’s theme of “everyday” or “popular” maps, some participants selected maps that students encounter in common settings, such as The Wizard of Oz or The Lord of the Rings triology.

We present here the first of a three-part series showcasing the lesson plans written by institute participants during their time at the Newberry. Whenever possible, we have included an image of the map on which a lesson is based. When it is not possible to include a map image, we suggest where a suitable map image can be acquired for little or no cost. These lesson plans and accompanying images will also soon be made available on the Newberry Library’s Web site at www.newberry.org/smith/L3rsmith.html, in the “Resources for Teaching with Historic Maps” section. In many instances the Web version of the plan will offer map images in color and detailed images of the maps.

The lesson plans in this issue and those that will follow encompass a variety of subject areas and grade levels. We encourage teachers to review plans other than those indicated for their classroom grade level and to adjust specific tasks as necessary for their situation.

Everyday Maps was made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in these lesson plans do not necessarily reflect those of the National Endowment for the Humanities, or those of The Newberry Library.