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Throughout history, people have tried to figure out where they were and how they could find their way to another place. Would you believe that the earliest explorers and sailors navigated by the stars, and we still do that today? The GPS your parents use in the car, or that you might use on your own device, is guided by orbiting satellites in the sky that pinpoint exact locations on the earth. Wouldn't our early explorers have been astonished!
Throughout history, people have tried to figure out where they were and how they could find their way to another place. Would you believe that the earliest explorers and sailors navigated by the stars, and we still do that today? The GPS your parents use in the car, or that you might use on your own device, is guided by orbiting satellites in the sky that pinpoint exact locations on the earth. Wouldn't our early explorers have been astonished!
The Babylonian World Map
The Babylonian World Map
Maps have been used throughout history even before there was paper. History’s earliest known world map was scratched on clay tablets in the ancient city of Babylon sometime around 600 B.C.E. The star-shaped map measures just five-by-three inches and shows the world as a flat disc! Located outside of the disc are triangular wedges, which depict far-off islands with mysterious labels such as “beyond the flight of birds” and “a place where the sun cannot be seen.”
Source: https://www.history.com/news/8-remarkable-early-maps
Antiques Road Show
Antiques Road Show
This early map, circa 1640, was purchased for less than $20 dollars. The owner brought it to the Antiques Road Show, a tv show that looks at objects brought in by the public. Experts on the show appraise the items, and sometimes there are astonishing finds. What do you think this old piece of paper will be worth? And, why would anyone care? What can an old map tell us?
Maps can take many forms, as Harry Potter learns in this clip.
Maps can take many forms, as Harry Potter learns in this clip.
In 6th Grade Social Studies this year, we will investigate the basic elements of maps with lessons on everything from longitude and latitude to map projections. Those lessons can be found HERE or click the image.
In 6th Grade Social Studies this year, we will investigate the basic elements of maps with lessons on everything from longitude and latitude to map projections. Those lessons can be found HERE or click the image.
In 6th Grade Social Studies this year, we will also be challenging you with Map Quizzes. Click on the image or HERE to get to that page.
In 6th Grade Social Studies this year, we will also be challenging you with Map Quizzes. Click on the image or HERE to get to that page.
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