Part Two: Using Outline Maps
Of course, outline maps are great for labeling all sorts of political and physical features: bodies of water, rivers, mountain ranges, cities, states, capitals, countries, continents, longitude, latitude, etc. But they can be used in many other creative ways. Here are great ideas to get you started:
- Where do the trees grow? Note the native areas of Ponderosa pines, palm trees, eucalyptus, mahogany, ebony, bamboo etc.
- Plot as many dormant and active volcanoes as you can.
- Go on a scavenger hunt around your house. How many geographical locations can you place on your maps? Check the record companies on your CDs, the publishers of your books. Read the labels on the back of your toothpaste, shampoo, etc. Where was your lunch made? The peanut butter, the jelly, the bakery, the chips, the banana, the dairy, and the plate you are using.
- Paste stickers or pictures of different dog breeds and their country of origin.
- Pick your favorite Olympic event. From what countries are the athletes?
- Make a climate or weather map.
- Topographical maps: what areas are above the mile mark? How many people live below sea level?
- Where are the rain forests? The deserts?
- Section your US or North American maps by Native American Tribes.
- Do a demographic study map.
- Current events.
- The 10/40 window. Pray, pray, pray.
- Make a cool National Parks map.
- Trace your summer vacation. Make your own road atlas. If you flew on an airplane, mark all the places you missed.
- Voyages of discovery. Chart the course of the explorers.
- How did Lewis and Clark get to the Pacific?
- Where was the Oregon Trail?
- Trace Route 66.
- Where were/are the mining towns? The Gold rush?
- Label Jesus' ministry and Paul's journeys.
- Draw in famous landmarks – the Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty, Hanging Gardens of Babylon, etc.
- Can you think of more?
Spend more time with Maggie Hogan on her blog:
www.homeschoolblogger.com/maggiehogan
Check out her great homeschool resources (including the award winning geography curriculums she *co-authored) at her business site:
www.BrightIdeasPress.com
info@BrightIdeasPress.com
Read more about The Ultimate Geography & Timeline Guide here - http://brightideaspress.com/UGTG.htm
And Hands-On Geography here:
http://brightideaspress.com/HOG.htm
Biography
Maggie and Bob Hogan live in a formerly Amish farmhouse in Dover, DE where they began homeschooling their two (now grown) sons in 1991. She is a regular contributor for homeschooling internet sites as well as print magazines like The Old Schoolhouse. She’s a nationally known speaker and co-author of The Ultimate Geography and Timeline Guide, Gifted Children at Home, Hands-on Geography and other resource books. Involved in local, state, and national homeschooling issues, they both serve on boards of home education organizations in Delaware. They’re also owners of Bright Ideas Press, a home school company dedicated to bringing the best practical, fun, and affordable materials to the homeschool market.
