Preparing to use maps in local history research (in classroom and lab)
Use the page Map Analysis Using the Library of Congress’ American Memory Map Collections, to prepare for student discussion of maps in historical research. Teacher should become familiar with using the Mr. Sid interface for maps as used in the American Memory collections.
Map Analysis (Small Group Activity)--The first part of Map Analysis Using the Library of Congress’ American Memory Map Collections (questions 1-3) should be printed or adapted for use with the students to provide them with background information about maps in history.
Exploring Maps at American Memory (Small Groups or individual activity)--Students access the American Memory, click on "Search," then click on the search option for maps. Explore the purposes, organization, and detail of a variety of maps.
Using Maps (Group Activity) Using a variety of historical and current maps and the sheet Using Maps in Historical Research, the teacher will demonstrate and the class will discuss and demonstrate the following areas:
- Bias, jargon, and interpretation based upon the purpose of the map
- Scale, orientation, and map keys
- Place names and how they change overtime
Begin a class discussion with a brainstorm of the wide variety of ways students have used maps and aerial photos.
Distribute a variety of local maps (hard copy and/or printed from online resources): National Park, USDA Forest Service, BLM, Chamber of Commerce, and/or commercial and have students begin to analyze what they see, recording information on the Map Analysis Worksheet.
Online map sources:
The HABS/HAER information about the Grand Ditch includes a map on the last page (written and mapped 1988 for the survey).
The Rocky Mountain Virtual Tour includes the 1915 and current topographic maps of the region for comparison. Note that the 1915 map does not include the Grand Ditch, but later ones do. This map also shows a different park boundary than exists today. (The boundary changed in 1930.)
Rocky Mountain National Park downloadable Map.
Aerial photos of the region may be acquired through the USGS Earth Explorer web site for approximately $10.00 each.
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Kathy Ziegler, East Grand School District
