National Geographic is developing giant state maps and traveling trunks with accompanying lessons to teach geography. Several states have already created these resources, including Vermont, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Indiana, and Wyoming. Colorado is working to create its own giant state map and plans to have five maps available along with online atlases and interdisciplinary curriculum. The goal is to engage students and the public in learning about Colorado's geography. GIS Colorado could help by providing expertise for the online atlas, raising funds, and encouraging educators to utilize the maps.

1. DEVELOPMENT OF GIANT STATE MAPSNational Geographic Alliance Network

2. GIS Colorado 2016 Winter Quarterly Meeting
Rebecca Theobald
Coordinator, Colorado Geographic Alliance
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
COLORADO GIANT MAP

3. GIANT
TRAVELING MAP
OF VERMONT

4. TO SCHEDULE
 The map is $20/school day, and you must agree to
transport the map to the next school on the
list. The map rolls into an 8 ½ foot cloth bag that
fits into most cars. A bag of lessons and props
travels with the map, and is the size of a large
duffel bag. To reserve the Giant Traveling Map of
Vermont for your classroom, contact Keighan
Chapman.
 http://www.vtgeoalliance.org/vermont-map-
lessons-draft.html

5. PENNSYLVANIA ALLIANCE FOR GEOGRAPHIC
EDUCATION

7. MISSOURI GEOGRAPHIC ALLIANCE

8. MISSOURI STATE FAIR
 After removing their shoes and putting on a pair of
socks, participants were able to walk around on
the map and were asked to think about the state
of Missouri as they never had before. As they were
led through a multitude of interactive activities
they explored the map and placed different
markers for counties, famous people, common
crops grown in Missouri, animals, and used
counting blocks to represent population. Youth
and adults alike were able to learn about the state
of Missouri in a way that they had never had the
opportunity to before.

9. GEOGRAPHY
EDUCATOR’S
NETWORK OF
INDIANA

10. GENI - GIANT TRAVELING MAP OF INDIANA
EVALUATION
School Name/Dates of Map Visit: ____________________________________________
Please rate the following on a scale of 1 to 5: 5=excellent/exceeds expectations;
4=good; 3=average/meets expectations; 2=fair; 1= poor.
How did you hear about the Giant Traveling Map of Indiana?
List the approximate number of students, by grade level, who utilized the Map while at
your school:
Which prepared activities did you utilize with the GTM IN?
Did you conduct activities that were not part of the prepared curriculum? What were
those activities and how did your students use the GTM IN?
Do you think that the Giant Traveling Map of Indiana was an effective teaching tool for
your students? Why or why not?
Please include comments below regarding the map: appearance, resources in trunk,
curriculum additions/enhancements… THANK YOU!

11. WYOMING

12. WYOMING MAP DETAILS
 The Wyoming floor map is 12 x 12 ft. It is based on a design
developed by WYGISC, the UW Geography Dept., and the
WGA. They have four maps that are currently in Laramie,
Cheyenne, Wheatland, and Casper.
 One of the maps is available for use free of charge, however,
those using the map are responsible for transportation
costs. The map is easy to fold and transport and can be
easily moved by one person. Corresponding classroom
lessons focused on the physical, political, and economic
geography of the state are also available upon request.
 The map identifies political boundaries, hydrologic and
geologic features, major roads and railways, and historic
sites. If you are interested in more information about the
map please contact Germaine Wagner at
gkwagner@outlook.com or Kirk Scheffler at
wga@uwyo.edu. For a preview of the map please checkout
this video created by Joseph Kerski!

14. COLORADO GIANT STATE MAP
Coming soon…

16. OVERVIEW
 Goal: five maps with accessory trunks
 Multiple grade levels
 Interdisciplinary curriculum
 Online atlas

17. TRUNK AND MATERIALS

18. LESSONS

19. CREATING A GIANT STATE MAP
 Research
 Budget
 Personnel
 Online Cartography
 Lesson Plans
 Materials
 Management
 Coordination with National Geographic

20. WHAT WE KNOW
 One map is a gift from National Geographic
Education Foundation.
 National Geographic is unable to address issue of
multiple maps until all state maps have been created
and produced.
 National Geographic owns the cartographic files.
 National Geographic is providing training for Alliance
Coordinators and teachers.
 National Geographic is developing “Evergreen”
materials to use in all states.

21. PLANNING AND EXECUTION
 Work with University to structure ownership of map
 Maintain and manage map and materials
 Develop online GIS atlas
 Respond to inquiries about the map and curriculum
 Determine public engagement and promotional
opportunties
 Manage contacts and transport for map
 Organize professional development
 Teach lessons to students and general public
 Update online GIS atlas

22. ROLE FOR GIS COLORADO
 Provide expertise for online atlas creation,
distribution, and use
 Raise funds to pay staff member and finance
travel for three years
 Raise funds to purchase more maps
 Encourage educators to have the map visit their
classrooms
 Brainstorm ideas for lessons and layers
 Share information about the map with the
community

23. Thank you for learning about this
tool for geography education
QUESTIONS?