Students will examine a map projection of a chosen USGS topographic map versus other maps. The teacher will explain that each map is drawn according to a specific map projection. Students will be given or shown a USGS poster of numerous map projections, as well as cartography in texts to illustrate how distance, direction, angle, or area have to be distorted.

Students will examine a map projection of a chosen USGS topographic map versus other maps. The teacher will explain that each map is drawn according to a specific map projection. Students will be given or shown a USGS poster of numerous map projections, as well as cartography in texts to illustrate how distance, direction, angle, or area have to be distorted.

This resource provides links to a number of activities involving local mapping including autobiographical mapping known as a "turf map," how to get students to connections to their local geographies, mapping a school for teaching tolerance, use of historical maps of a community, and use of technology through Googe Earth. Ideas presented were mostly introduced in APHG Academies that have been sponsored by the VGA, NCGE meetings, AP Annual Conferences, workshops, and through collaboration with colleagues. This collection is intended to help get new teachers started or to move others to grow their curriculum and enhance the experiences of their students and build geographic skills by promoting the inclusion of local geographies into classrooms and through personal observation and data collection in local environments.