Maps

We have started our unit study on maps. This is one of my favorite units, and we have learned many new things about map features and how maps are made. Also, we are applying what we know about maps to our own fair city. Each table group has their own large map of Portland. In these pictures they are coloring features on the map; the rivers, parks, etc.





These maps are quite a few years old. So, we have also been "correcting" them. On this map, OMSI is still by the Oregon Zoo. We moved it to its current location. We also added I-5 and changed Union street to MLK and Grand street.

We talked about how maps are always changing because we are always changing the landscape where we live.

In these pictures, we are using what we know about "scale" to figure out how far apart things in Portland. This map's scale is 3 inches = 1 mile. The students have figured out how big Forest Park is, how far it is from Llewellyn to the zoo, and how long the Willamette River is (in the city limits).

We also highlighted important streets in our city that we need to become familiar with (Burnside, Powell, etc...)


This is all setting us up for when we move into our in-depth unit on Portland. It is important for the students to be able to visualize our city. How it is laid out. Where things are. We will start looking at the geography of Portland in the new year, and the early years of Portland. Exciting things are ahead!