Lesson Overview
This lesson plan is intended to introduce students to critical cartography, a subfield of geography that recognizes maps as inherently political objects subject to bias and hidden meaning. In this lesson, students will learn the basic principles and applications of critical cartography and explore how maps are not neutral representations of the world. In this lesson, the teacher will introduce concepts of critical cartography by building on the students’ understanding of maps as two-dimensional symbolic representations of space. Students will then divide into groups and examine historical maps as case studies and present their findings to the class. In the final part of the lesson, students will discuss the applications of critical cartography in other disciplines, such as in anthropology and archaeology.
Essential Question
How do maps serve not as neutral reflections of reality, but as powerful political artifacts that reveal the perspectives, biases, and values of their creators?
Grade(s):
Subject(s):
Recommended Technology:
Other Instructional Materials or Notes:
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
· For Warm-Up Activity (optional):
o Pens, pencils, and/or markers
o Paper for drawing (could use grid paper for older classes)
o Rulers
· For Case Studies:
o Pens, pencils, and/or markers
o Large, printed maps. (Maps should be large enough for fine details and text to be legible. You may use your own maps for this lesson or use the links provided in this document to download and print the maps referenced in the provided case studies. If using the maps referenced in the provided case studies, it is recommended to print them as large as possible and in the highest resolution as possible).
o Sticky notes and/or stickers (for students to mark information on their map).
o Case study handouts if using the provided case studies (the teacher may create their own handouts if they opt for using their own maps; 1 handout for each student)
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Log In to View LessonStandards
- 6.3.CO Compare European motivations for exploration and settlement.
- 6.3.CE Explain the impact of increased global exchanges on the development of the Atlantic World.
- 6.3.CX Contextualize the experience of indigenous peoples due to expansion and the conflict that arose from it.
- 6.3.E Analyze the short- and long-term impact of the Atlantic World's growth using primary and secondary sources across multiple perspectives.
- 7.5.4.HS Compare and contrast the dynamic physical and human conditions that lead to the creation of ethnic, gender, language, and religious landscapes of North American societies.
- 7.5.5.HS Identify and analyze the current political borders using maps, explain the economic, political, and social inequalities present in North American societies, and explain the connections between North American places and other continents.
- 8.1.P Summarize major events in the development of South Carolina which impacted the economic, political, and social structure of the colony.
- 8.1.E Utilize a variety of primary and secondary sources to examine multiple perspectives and influences of the economic, political, and social effects of South Carolina’s settlement and colonization on the development of various forms of government across the colonies.
- HG.3.5.PR Compare and contrast cultural landscapes in various regions, and analyze the human imprint on different landscapes.
- HG.4.1.HS Identify and analyze patterns of territoriality and the relationships of power and spatial organization at various scales using maps and other geographic representations.
- HG.4.6.AG Gather evidence on boundary issues at different scales, construct a map to explain changes in control over people, land, or resources, and communicate findings.
- MWH.1.P Summarize the motivations of worldwide exploration and the influence of exploration on world civilizations.
- MWH.1.E Utilize a variety of primary and secondary sources to analyze multiple perspectives of global exchanges.
- MWH.2 Demonstrate an understanding of the effects of commerce, innovation and expansion on global affairs and interactions during the period of 1450–1815.
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Log In to View LessonLesson Created By: MegGaillard
Lesson Partners: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources