Map Library

On Wednesday we went to the Maps Library in the Paterno Library. While there we discussed the different types of maps that exist and how maps have changed overtime. Some of the maps we learned about were Quasi Maps, Topographic Maps, World Population Maps, Atlas Maps, and the difference between Aerial and Satellite Image Maps.

(Topographic Map)

(Us learning about volcanoes from Google Earth)

Technology has allowed Maps to change throughout the years. For example Aerial photography was used in the 1940s and 50s but aerial maps only allow the viewer to see an image on a static scale and only in black and white. Though the use of technology, Satellite imagery allows the viewer to see the color and change the scale as the please to see more or less detail.

(Us taking notes in the Map Library)

(Video of the maps presentation)

We also learned about ways to use maps in our future classroom. Some of the ideas were to draw a map of the child's classroom, neighborhood, or school. Other ideas were to make a concept map, color a map and use it throughout the year, use weather maps, make a past population map, and map where food comes from.

We also discovered many resources we can use to learn more about maps:

• One great article we discovered was called "Preschoolers Using Maps: An Educational Approach."http://uth.academia.edu/SofiaGoria/Papers/395820/Preschoolers_Using_Maps_An_Educational_Approach
• Another is the ERIC Database at PSU libraries which allows us to look up journals and articles.
• Yet another is called 'Penn Pilot' which lets the uses look up aerial views of different places.

We then went into the actual Maps Library which was really cool because we were able to look at whatever we wanted. 

(How the maps library looks)

(How the maps are organized)

The librarians were so nice and helpful, we learned so much. We were even able to look at a rare map made in the 1920's of Penn State University.

(Marci the librarian telling us about the rare maps of PSU)

(Closeup of one of the maps/ the old Beaver Stadium)

We then went back the classroom and got an assignment where we are actually going to be able to make our own maps through creating a board game. Ours focuses on a day in the life of the nittany lion and the players will follow the lion on a tour through campus.

(Us creating our game)