Map Projection Lesson Plans

Young scholars pretend to be cartographers and specify which types of map projections would be the most valuable for their clients. They do the Globe Projector activity in the Xpedition Hall and take notes on the different map projections.

Students develop their geography skills as they analyze map projections. In this ethnocentrism lesson, students participate in a classroom activity that requires them to draw maps and then analyze the projections they created for distortion and bias.

Pupils examine the significance of map projections. They use Arc View GIS to compare/contrast the geographic coordinate system, identify the main properties of map projections, and produce a map.

Young scholars examine the significance of map projections. Using an ArcCanada CD-ROM, they compare/contrast projections from a global and regional perspective, analyze elements of distortion, and select an appropriate projection for a map project.

Students explore why it is impossible to show a round object in a flattened form. They observe a demonstration of flattening a tennis ball or an orange peel and then equate this to a map of the Earth's surface. As a class, they examine different types of map projections and explore how each one is used. In groups, students prepare questions to ask a local cartographer.

Young scholars visit the Globe Projector exhibit in Xpedition Hall and explore the different types of map projections. They consider different careers requiring geographic knowledge and decide what projection would serve them best for each.

Students view examples of various map projections using a website. Students record differences between the map projections. Students discuss uses for the various map projections and the differences between the maps they viewed. Students practice map projections by looking at the following map types and determining the ideal map projection for that map type.

Students partcipate in activities in which they examine different map projections. They discover the positives and negatives of each type. They use grapefruits to help them with the different types of map projections.

Students identify and describe modern mapping techniques by recognizing the components which make a good map. Then, they compare map scales on various maps and recognize differences in specific detail. Finally, students convert between DD and DM and demonstrate their awareness of map projection.

Young scholars identify map projections and examine polar maps. In this map skills lesson, students use a flat world map to identify various projections and calculate the distances between locations by using a map scale.