Students at Greater Houlton Christian Academy explored Asia in a big way last week — with the world’s largest map of the continent. The map measures 26-feet by 35-feet and is designed as giant game board to introduce students to the diverse geography of Asia. It was at GHCA as part of National Geographic’s Giant Traveling Maps program.
The map’s brightly colored, smooth vinyl surface accurately illustrates Asia’s oceans, seas, rivers, mountains, countries and capitals. Designed for grades K-8, the map comes with a trunk full of accessories, including interactive activities and props and photo cards that teach students about the physical characteristics of the continent as well as its rich history, wildlife, and varied cultures. In “Cardinal Capture,” teams of students used cardinal directions to move student “pawns” around the map, capturing opponents. In “To What Degree?” teams competed against each other to find the most locations using latitude and longitude coordinates. Foam balls and hoops were used in “Geo-gym” games that teach students the diverse geography of the Asian continent.
Contributed photo
ONE BIG MAP — Students at Greater Houlton Christian Academy were able to explore Asia thanks to a massive map that was loaned to the school.
GHCA sixth-grade teacher Alison Stone, event coordinator, said, “We hoped the map would catch students’ imaginations and kindle their interest in the world around them — and it did! The scale of this map and the interactive lessons held on it are something we’ve never experienced before. It’s not every day that a map that has traveled the country lands in Houlton, Maine, but we’re thrilled that Sue Lahti and the Maine Geographic Alliance helped make it happen for students at the Academy.”
“These maps teach geography in a way that nothing else does. It is a physical as well as mental experience,” said Dan Beaupré, director of education partnerships for National Geographic Live. “The hands- and feet-on experience makes a lasting impression on students and sparks further interest.”
