Group+A

Learning Activity 6-B-1



(Sean) Here is my SEA Worksheet of the Army map. We can combine our worksheets into a final product.

(Sean) I think I'm in group A.I guess I will wait until we know for sure what groups we are in to begin work!!

(Robert 7/7) Yes, we're in the same group this week, according to the teacher's message! I'll take a look at the assignment and post something today or tomorrow.

(Sean)

1. These maps could be brought into any American or World Cultures classroom when discussing World War II. The maps give students an interesting perspective of war that they haven’t seen before. Students could also compare and contrast maps of World War II to maps of today by examining how much the strategy of war has changed due to the ever increasing technology. // These maps are very unique, and probably not seen in textbooks. CK .//

2. It would be beneficial for students to have a good understanding of America’s involvement in World War II; especially D-Day. Understanding the battle in France against the Germans would give students a deeper meaning when they look at the tactical maps.// Yes, I agree with you. CK .//

3. If I taught World War II I would definitely use these maps in my classroom. Showing students primary source materials from the subject being taught is vitally important. This could be used to gain knowledge outside of the textbook. // I think that most textbooks provide a good base. Moving out from the text is where students really learn. CK .//

(Sean)

Maps are usually resources that are used in the social studies classrooms but could be used across all areas of education. Maps are used on a daily basis by mostly all people. We see today how popular Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are and how useful they can be in everyday life. Math teachers can use maps for calculation purposes. Science teachers can map out different areas of our solar system as well as use climate maps in their classrooms. In physical education classes, teachers use maps to measure distances for running and walking. English classes could student maps like the ones of World War II and write essays discussing the significance of the particular map and discuss the strategies of both the Allied forces and the Axis powers. // You are right, maps serve a lot of purposes and can be used for many different subject areas. CK .//


 * ===How can this series of maps be used in the classroom?===
 * These maps could be used to teach about WWII. They can also teach students how the military uses maps, and how maps were used in the pre-computer era. Students would also learn map reading skills. // And I think map reading skills are very important. I think society forgets about it with GPS systems. CK .//
 * ===What prior information would be necessary for students to use these maps effectively?===
 * Students would also have to have information on WWII and the D-Day invasion in order to understand the maps. Students would also need instruction in map reading techniques.
 * ===Would you use these maps in your classroom? Why or why not?===
 * No, I wouldn't because I don't teach WWII. My students write about social issues or humanities topics, not history.

(**Although maps may be typically thought of as social studies resources, they can be used in other areas as well. On the wiki, brainstorm ideas with your group for using maps in multiple subject areas. Be as creative as you can. Provide links to maps if possible, but you may share ideas even if you can’t find a specific online resource to match the idea.)

Maps can be used as prompts for writing assignments. For example, students could be given a map of a foreign country and asked to do some research based on the map and then write an essay from the research. Students could also study the history of maps to see how knowledge of geography advanced over time. There are also many other types of maps, such as star maps, ocean charts, etc. that students could use in a class. Students can also use dynamic maps on the internet, such as maps that show current locations of ships in the ocean, as a writing prompt. There are "maps" of the internet that are interesting, or maps of infrastructure such as electrical lines, sewer lines, etc. Finally, everybody loves a treasure map! // It is amazing how much maps are used and all of the different things that they are used for. CK .//**