Lesson #1: Where are we? Where were we?

“Roam if you want to, Roam around the world, Roam if you want to, Without wings, Without wheels.”--The B-52’s

Created by cartographer Theodor de Bry between 1585-1586, this is the one of the earliest maps of the Virginia and North Carolina coastline.

Who were the main groups of Europeans colonizing this giant area they referred to as the “New World”? Where exactly was the “New World” and what parts of it are referred to today as North America? What modern day countries are found in North America? In this lesson we will learn how to use what is called a political map in addition to a few other types of maps and we will learn to apply the “TODALS” basic map skills.

Standard: 1

People use geographic representations and geospatial technologies to acquire, process and report information within a spatial context.

Benchmark: 5.3.1.1.1

Create and use various kinds of maps, including overlaying thematic maps, of places in the North American colonies; incorporate the “TODALS” map basics, as well as points, lines and colored areas to display spatial information.

Essential Question:

How do I create and use various kinds of maps, including overlaying thematic maps, of places in the North American colonies; incorporate the “TODALS” map basics, as well as points, lines and colored areas to display spatial information?