Maps and Geography

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Learn about Eratosthenes, who loved geography and maps so much that, in around 240 b.c. he set out to measure the circumference of the Earth (he needed to know so that he could create a map of the entire world!). Seems like an impossible task without computers or calculators, doesn't it?  Find out how he did it in The Librarian Who Measured the Earth.

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Try your hand at creating your own map! Mr. Richard shows you how in the video below.  
You can draw a map of almost anything... tune in below to see what Mr. Richard maps, then create one of your own.  We'd love it if your parents would share your creations with us on Facebook!

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Resources to Learn More

Here are some great library books and materials for learning about maps!

Yasmin the explorer by Saadia Faruqi

Magnolia's magnificent map by Lauren Bradshaw

Time zones by Ryan Nagelhout

World maps by Nicolas Brasch

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Country maps by Nicolas Brasch

Community maps by Nicolas Brasch

Children's illustrated atlas of the world by Leslie Morrison and Catherine VanPatten

The coast mappers by Taylor Morrison

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State-by-state atlas by Justine Ciovacco, Kathleen A. Feeley, and Kristen Behrens

The Watts picture atlas by Shirley Willis

Time zones by David A. Adler

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Here are some great YouTube videos about maps and geography!

For more fun and learning with maps and geography, check out Google Earth and play the game about latitude and longitude, Where on Earth is Carmen Sandiego: The Tutankhamun's Mask Caper! You can also find some great ideas on how to use Google Earth through National Geographic.

National Geographic also has a page of classroom tools for learning about maps! There's an interactive mapmaker tool, and lots of map-related lessons and printables, including a tabletop-sized map of New York State!