The map lesson video was fun to watch. It was great to see the students observe different aspects on the John Smith map and then compare the map to a modern map of the same area. I was really hoping that the students would be able to puzzle out why the older map had detailed rivers instead of roads. It was fun to do the same activity in class to see what we would come up with. Even though our class is decades older, we pointed out similar characteristics and had some of the same questions. I even learned a few new things about maps that I had never thought about before, such as the meaning of the fleur-de-lis on the compass rose.
I wonder how the activity would work out if the video was shown in the classroom. The students could try to find what the student in the video found and then try to find additional items. Or maybe, the class could watch a video of students examining a different map of Virginia and pick out similarities/differences between all three.
It amazes me that a map that old can be so accurate without modern technology to assist. How did John Smith learn to create a map like that? How did he know where he was located in relation to the map he was drawing or have the spacial awareness to know where to draw items on the map? I am directionally challenged so this skill completely baffles me.
I wish we would have had more time to look through the Jamestown lesson box or would have been able to complete one of the activities included. It looked very intriguing and I can see why students would like to examine the primary sources.
Jennifer. I am very glad that you enjoyed the map activity. I noticed that you wondered about showing the map video to students before they engage in a similar activity. Doing that for students will have the same affect it had on you! I would highly recommend showing videos as a way of front loading a lesson or activity. I makes the lesson more meaningful. Thank you for your reflection.