Giant map of South America lands in Alaska
October 22, 2010
907-474-5042
10/22/10
Students at more than 20 Alaska schools will be exploring South America in a big way Oct. 25 to Dec. 16 with one of the world’s largest maps of the continent. The map, measuring 35 feet by 26 feet and weighing 102 pounds, will give student explorers an interactive geographic experience with rich content and exciting activities.
The University of Alaska Geography Program coordinated the map’s appearances through National Geographic, with funding provided by BP and ConocoPhillips. The map is designed for kindergarten through eighth-grade students and comes with a trunk of accessories such as interactive activities, games, books, videos and music that educate users about the physical characteristics of the continent as well as its rich history and varied cultures.
UA Geography Program’s education and outreach coordinator Katie Kennedy has been taking National Geographic giant maps around the state for the past three school years. “It’s a fun, rewarding experience,” she said. “I’ve never had anyone not enjoy these maps. I run into students years later who remember the experience. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.”
To learn more about the Giant Traveling Map project or to download map activities, visit www.nationalgeographic.com/giantmaps. Following is a schedule of map events and locations:
Oct. 25-26—Alpenglow, Eagle River
Oct. 27—Nunaka Valley, Anchorage
Oct. 28—Bayshore, Anchorage
Nov. 1—Larson, Wasilla
Nov. 2—Palmer Junior, Palmer
Nov. 4—June Nelson, Kotzebue
Nov. 9—Ipalook, Barrow
Nov. 11—Nome Elementary, Nome
Nov. 15—University Park, Fairbanks
Nov. 16—Nordale Elementary, Fairbanks
Nov. 19—Effie Kokrine Charter School, Fairbanks
Nov. 20—GeoFest community event, Effie Kokrine Charter School, Fairbanks
Nov. 23—Crawford Elementary, Fairbanks
Nov. 24—Salcha Elementary, Salcha
Nov. 30—Delta Elementary, Delta Junction
Dec. 2—Tok and Tanacross
Dec. 9-10—Seward Elementary, Seward
Dec. 14—Keet Hooshi Geen, Sitka
Dec. 15-16—Houghtaling, Ketchikan
NT/10-22-10/078-11