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Summary and Objective
During this lesson, students will explore historical maps from the town they live in. Students will understand that the features of a map (scale, legend or key, color, labeling, etc) are found in all maps but could vary in their style and meaning based on the age of the map. Students will compare similarities and differences of current maps to those of old. Students will be able to write out or explain this comparison of how maps have changed and if these changes are beneficial or unnecessary.
Teaching Plan
Step 1.
Gather both current and historical local maps from American Centuries web site or local libraries/ town offices of a specific town of residence.
Step 2.
Using the "Map of New England", model with the students a comparison of the details to that of a modern New England map from their social studies text or an atlas.
Step 3.
Ask students to locate with you features on both maps. (scale, legend or key, labeling, etc). Discuss: "What do the little pictures represent? Why is the map turned sideways? Do the shapes of towns or borders seem the same? What seems to be missing from the map?
Step 4.
Students will then receive a copy of the historical map "New Salem" or "Erving/Wendell" from the American Centuries web site and will try to locate those same features.
Step 5.
Students will then participate in a discussion of the similarities and differences they found between the maps. Are the same streets there? Are there any new features shown? Can you locate where your home might have been, compared to where it is located now? How can you tell?
Step 6.
The students will use a Venn diagram to chart their findings.
Step 7.
In a final paragraph explanation, students will write about these comparisons and how beneficial changes were or how unnecessary, or a combination of both ideas.
Step 8.
Students will then create their own map of their street, school or neighborhood using the specific elements included in a map (scale, legend, labeling, color, etc)
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