We would be lost without maps! How are they made? Introduce junior topographers to LIDAR technology with a fascinating activity. Set up a mock city, then have learners operate a laser measure to determine the shape of the landscape using...

Fourth graders demonstrate map making skills by using the computer to create maps of the geographic features, regions, and economy for their state.

Working with a map that does not have a coordinate system on it, small, collaborative teams must come up with a coordinate system for their map. Groups then explain their coordinate structure to the class.

Students create their own maps. In this map making lesson, students go to Microsoft Word and create a chart. They label directions, buildings, streets, and distance. 

Students create an edible map. In this civics and geography lesson, students research their town's features and local government. Students work in groups to design and create a physical map of their town based on research.

Fourth graders collect and explore different maps and their uses before using the program Pixie to create maps of geographic features, political features, and economic information for the state in which they live.