For TeachersLesson Plans

Set Up: Teacher or teaching artist is at front of room. Students gather in a space with a projector and open floor space. Each student has a clipboard, individual atlas, and pencil. Teaching Tip: Invite a map maker to read this prep exercise. Step 1: Introductions Teacher or teaching artist gives an intro on the

Before you begin… Each student should choose a building, location, or space in Portland to research as part of their Portland History unit. ie: Lincoln Park, Monument Square, Portland Observatory, Victoria Mansion Step 1: Draw Your Home Each student will make a map of their home and block. First, have students create a “mental map”

Before you begin… Using Google Maps, pin each student’s special place to create a customized map. Cut watercolor paper into 7”x7” grid pieces.  Step 1: Observe the map “How can we make a map of Portland? What if we divided it up into smaller parts and each person had one part—or section—to create?” Make a

Step 1: Notice colors on the map Begin with a conversation about the colors on the map and what they represent. “You are going to paint this map. What colors do we need?” (streets: gray, highways: red, parks: green, water: blue, buildings: your choice) Step 2: Mix colors Display the color wheel and ask students

Before you begin… Glue painted map grid pieces onto a large piece of mat board in their correct locations and in grid form, with space left around each piece before class begins. Create a gluing station that can accommodate four students. Step 1: Cut and glue special places Invite four students at a time to

Celebration Suggestions: Peer Map Challenge Have students add items to their classroom maps and place those items around the room. Pair each student with a peer, who must use the student’s map of the classroom to locate those items. Portland Field Trip Provide students with hand-held versions of their collaborative Portland map. Take a bus