Future Mapping: Predicting Geographic Changes and Resources
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we use current and historical maps to predict future geographical changes and resource distribution, while considering the impact of human activities and their global implications?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What are the key elements and patterns we need to understand in a variety of maps to predict future geographical changes?
- How can interpreting different maps help us understand potential future scenarios of our world?
- In what ways do human activities influence geographic changes and resource distribution over time?
- How do historical maps provide context for predicting future geographical changes?
- What are the implications of resource distribution on a societal and global scale?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to interpret patterns in various maps to understand geographic information and relationships.
- Students will develop skills to analyze current and historical maps for predicting future geographical changes.
- Students will understand the impact of human activities on geographic changes and resource distribution.
- Students will create futuristic maps that incorporate knowledge of historical and current geographic data.
- Students will evaluate the societal and global implications of resource distribution changes.
Social Studies Standards
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsMap Your Move
In this simulation, students are tasked with relocating their community to a new area due to a hypothetical natural disaster. They need to assess geographic challenges, resource availability, and community needs to propose viable solutions, fostering empathy and problem-solving.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Map Patterns Explorer
In this activity, students will dive deep into various map types such as contour, cartogram, population, and natural resource maps. They will interpret patterns and learn to identify key geographic information presented in these maps.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA reflective journal entry where students document their understanding of various map patterns and geographic information.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with SS.Geog1.b.m by focusing on interpreting patterns in various maps to display geographic information.Historical Map Detective
Students will analyze historical maps to understand past geographical changes and their implications for the present and future. They will explore how historical maps provide context for future predictions.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA presentation connecting a historical map to future geographical predictions.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports SS.Geog1.b.m by explaining relationships among maps and using historical maps to inform predictions.Future Map Maker
In this capstone activity, students will use their understanding of map patterns, human impact, and historical trends to create a futuristic map predicting geographic changes and resource distribution.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed futuristic map showcasing predicted changes in geography and resource distribution.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsMeets SS.Geog1.b.m by focusing on the creative prediction of geographical changes using interpreted map data.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioFuturistic Map Assessment Rubric
Map Interpretation and Analysis
Assesses ability to interpret patterns in different types of maps (contour, cartogram, population, natural resource, historical).Identification of Patterns
Ability to identify and analyze geographic patterns in various maps.
Exemplary
4 PointsIdentifies and comprehensively analyzes complex patterns in all types of maps, showing sophisticated understanding of geographic information.
Proficient
3 PointsAccurately identifies and analyzes patterns in most map types, demonstrating thorough understanding.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies and analyzes some patterns, but analysis is incomplete or inconsistent.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to identify patterns, with minimal analysis and understanding shown.
Use of Map Data in Predictions
Effectiveness in using map data to make geographical predictions.
Exemplary
4 PointsUses map data effectively to make insightful and innovative geographic predictions that incorporate multiple factors.
Proficient
3 PointsUses map data to make solid predictions, considering several influencing factors.
Developing
2 PointsUses map data for predictions, but lacks depth or thorough consideration of influencing factors.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to use map data in predictions, with little to no depth.
Integration of Historical and Current Map Data
Evaluates the integration of historical and current map data for understanding geographic changes.Historical Contextualization
Ability to use historical map data to provide context for future predictions.
Exemplary
4 PointsEffectively integrates historical map data, providing comprehensive context for accurate future predictions.
Proficient
3 PointsIntegrates historical map data successfully, providing clear context for predictions.
Developing
2 PointsAttempts to integrate historical data, but context may be unclear or incomplete.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to connect historical data to future predictions, providing minimal context.
Understanding of Human Impact
Understanding how human activities influence geographical changes and resource distribution.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates insightful understanding of human impacts, integrating it seamlessly into predictions.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates understanding of human impacts, integrating it into predictions with some effectiveness.
Developing
2 PointsShows basic understanding of human impacts, but integration into predictions is limited.
Beginning
1 PointsMinimal understanding of human impacts, with little to no integration into predictions.
Creative Design and Representation
Assesses the creativity and clarity in the design and representation of the futuristic map.Clarity and Detail of Map
Clarity and level of detail presented in the futuristic map.
Exemplary
4 PointsMap is exceptionally clear, detailed, and nuanced, with creative representation of predictions.
Proficient
3 PointsMap is clear and detailed, with creative elements showing predictions.
Developing
2 PointsMap is somewhat clear and detailed, with limited creative elements.
Beginning
1 PointsMap lacks clarity and detail, with minimal creative elements.
Innovation in Representation
Originality and innovation in the approach to visualizing predicted changes.
Exemplary
4 PointsExhibits high-level innovation and originality, creatively visualizing predicted changes.
Proficient
3 PointsShows some innovation and originality in visualizing predicted changes.
Developing
2 PointsLimited innovation or originality in visualization of changes.
Beginning
1 PointsMinimal innovation or originality, with standard visualization techniques.