Inquiries Filed Under:

Maps and Globes

About the inquiry

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?”

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.

Supporting Question

What is a map?

Formative Tasks

Complete the first side of a class chart defining a map and listing its features.

Sources

Source A: Image bank: World maps<br /> Source B: Image bank: Community maps

Supporting Question

What is a globe?

Formative Tasks

Complete the second side of a class chart defining a globe and listing its features.

Sources

Source A: Image bank: Global images<br /> Source B: Image bank: Geographic features of the Earth

Supporting Question

What is the difference between a map and a globe?

Formative Tasks

Complete a class Venn diagram identifying the similarities and differences between maps and globes.

Sources

Source A: Image bank: Photo, map, and satellite images of the lower Hudson River<br /> Source B: Image bank: Geographic and man-made places

Supporting Question

How would you decide to use a map or a globe?

Formative Tasks

Complete a sentence starter with illustrations: “I would use a _____ to_______.”

Sources

Source 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.

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