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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 education and outreach coordinator Katie Kennedy has been taking National Geographic giant maps around the state for the past three school years. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a fun, rewarding experience,鈥 she said. 鈥淚鈥檝e never had anyone not enjoy these maps. I run into students years later who remember the experience. It鈥檚 one of the best things I鈥檝e ever done.鈥
To learn more about the Giant Traveling Map project or to download map activities, visit . Following is a schedule of map events and locations:
Oct. 25-26鈥擜lpenglow, Eagle River
Oct. 27鈥擭unaka Valley, Anchorage
Oct. 28鈥擝ayshore, Anchorage
Nov. 1鈥擫arson, Wasilla
Nov. 2鈥擯almer Junior, Palmer
Nov. 4鈥擩une Nelson, Kotzebue
Nov. 9鈥擨palook, Barrow
Nov. 11鈥擭ome Elementary, Nome
Nov. 15鈥擴niversity Park, Fairbanks
Nov. 16鈥擭ordale Elementary, Fairbanks
Nov. 19鈥擡ffie Kokrine Charter School, Fairbanks
Nov. 20鈥擥eoFest community event, Effie Kokrine Charter School, Fairbanks
Nov. 23鈥擟rawford Elementary, Fairbanks
Nov. 24鈥擲alcha Elementary, Salcha
Nov. 30鈥擠elta Elementary, Delta Junction
Dec. 2鈥擳ok and Tanacross
Dec. 9-10鈥擲eward Elementary, Seward
Dec. 14鈥擪eet Hooshi Geen, Sitka
Dec. 15-16鈥擧oughtaling, Ketchikan
NT/10-22-10/078-11