Creator: Cornell University | visit site
Grade Range: 6 - 11
This interesting site uses maps not to convey information but as a tool to influence opinions or beliefs. The author’s selection of maps to persuade and influence others is a deliberate strategy because, unlike some other forms of communication, most people believe maps to be honest and factual. The collection includes more than 800 maps using various persuasive tools, including select use of color, intentional exclusion of information, and unusual choices of graphics and color. Browse the collection by subject, date posted, or look through the entire collection. Each link leads to a map found in the collection; open the thumbnail to view additional information, including the date of the map’s creation and collector’s notes providing context and background to the image.
In the Classroom
Explore this site together as a class or allow students time to explore on their own. Select maps that correspond to your current teaching units; for example, when teaching about the Civil War, browse through many maps related to that time period and slavery. Save several examples in a Padlet collection, reviewed here, and ask students to analyze the map features and how they might be used to influence and persuade others. Have students create webpages to share their discussions on the features of persuasive maps using an easy website creation tool such as Carrd, reviewed here. Ask students to use the download link provided with each image to download the image and share it on their webpage. Enhance learning further by using digital annotation tools to add text, videos, and additional information to the downloaded image using Thinglink, reviewed here, then embed the Thinglink image on the webpage along with other student work. Extend learning further by asking students to think of other examples used in modern times to persuade and influence options such as infographics, social media posts, and commercials.
At Home
These interesting maps provide a perspective on different world events and time periods. Share this site with your student to use to enhance understanding of these events.
Tags
Subjects
American History, Government/Civics: U.S, History & Culture: World, Social Studies, Social Studies,