Thinking Critically about Maps in 4th Grade

Teacher Maria Lama facilitated a see, think, wonder exercise for students to compare and contrast two maps of the Chesapeake Bay area, one made in 1636 and the other in 1651. They began the lesson by discussing the reasons why two maps of the same place would differ. Students said that if different people made the maps, their different perspectives would inform what details would be included. Working in groups, 4th graders noted different place names on the maps, one marking the area as Powhatan and indicating the presence of various native tribes and the other map marking the area as Virginia/Maryland. Students also observed differences in boundaries and symbols.