Students analyze various maps spanning the 16th through the 19th centuries, as well as create maps of their own. Review the Academic Content Standards related to this lesson. All in the Maps. Work in small groups to analyze the historic, political, geographic, and social information provided in maps from the 16th to early 19th centuries. Create their own maps of an area decided upon by the individual students.
Students then share their answers, and the teacher jots down responses on the board.
Divide students into several small groups of three to four members each. Give each group a map from the late 16th to early 19th centuries. If possible, maps should be in full color from books found in your classroom or the school library. Students in each group carefully look at the map that they have been assigned, and the group answers the following questions about their map on a piece of paper. Students should allow other groups to look at their maps and responses to the questions.