This kindergarten inquiry leads students through an investigation of maps and globes as tools that represent the physical world in different ways. In the inquiry, students consider how each tool represents locations, what purposes each tool serves, and what advantages and disadvantages each tool offers. The study of maps and globes provides the foundation for students to develop an understanding of how and why humans interact with geography and geographic features across time and space. The manner in which students gather, use, and interpret evidence should increase their geographic reasoning and allow them to make and support their arguments in response to the compelling question, “Which is better, a map or a globe?”
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About the inquiry
Compelling Question
Which Is Better, a Map or a Globe?
Staging Question
Pose a question to the class about location, such as “How would we find the post office?” or “How would we figure out the best way to get to the grocery store?” Record students’ ideas on a class chart.
1
Supporting QuestionWhat is a map?
Formative TasksComplete the first side of a class chart defining a map and listing its features.
SourcesSource A: Image bank: World maps
Source B: Image bank: Community maps
2
Supporting QuestionWhat is a globe?
Formative TasksComplete the second side of a class chart defining a globe and listing its features.
SourcesSource A: Image bank: Global images
Source B: Image bank: Geographic features of the Earth
3
Supporting QuestionWhat is the difference between a map and a globe?
Formative TasksComplete a class Venn diagram identifying the similarities and differences between maps and globes.
SourcesSource A: Image bank: Photo, map, and satellite images of the lower Hudson River
Source B: Image bank: Geographic and man-made places
4
Supporting QuestionHow would you decide to use a map or a globe?
Formative TasksComplete a sentence starter with illustrations: “I would use a _____ to_______.”
SourcesSource A: Image bank: Geographic scenarios
Summative Performance Task
Argument: Which is better, a map or a globe? Construct an argument supported with evidence that
responds to the compelling question.
Extension:
Taking Informed Action
Understand: Accomplished through Supporting Questions 1 and 2
Assess: Accomplished through Supporting Questions 3 and 4
Act: Create a map of the school to be used by families or visitors for an open house event.