Activity Nine Teachers: Create a Globe

Instructions for Teachers

Materials:

• Globe pattern (Page 1, Page 2)
• Scissors
• Glue stick or tape
• Balloon (optional)

Directions:

• Cut out both pieces of the pattern inside the lines.
• Glue or tape the two tabs around the equator. If a balloon will be used, blow it up to the same diameter as the globe.
• Begin gluing or taping the tabs to the backs of the piece next to it. If assembling it on a balloon, tape it directly to the balloon.

Learner Objectives:

• Create a personal globe.
• Identify specific land masses, bodies of water, countries, cities, or historic sites.
• Identify map concepts.
• Research the evolution of maps from iconic representations of religious beliefs to the literal
• Creations of the 20th century.

Procedure:

This easy to make globe can be constructed around an inflated balloon for stability. One of these inexpensive globes can be made by each student as a personal, hands-on learning aid. It can be used as a visual aid for reports or as a geographic lesson. It can be used in conjunction with Activity Ten to reinforce map concepts.

Students can research the history of maps, learning how maps have evolved from prehistory's hunter/gatherer iconic representations with no concept of distance to today's literal photographic style. In the time between are representations of monsters and cannibals as well as maps based on Christ's body on the cross. Ptolemy's Geography of the second century A.D. is a great source, striking for its accuracies as well as its bizarre concepts.

Back to Activities