Giant Traveling Map of South America lands in Alaska

The Giant Map of South America was an eye-catching educational tool at the National Conference on Geographic Education in Savannah, Ga., earlier this month, and now it will be traveling all over Alaska until mid-December.

Students at over 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 a geographic experience through rich content and exciting activities that enliven the study of geography, making it a fun, interactive experience.

The UA Geography Program coordinated the map’s “appearances” through National Geographic, with funding provided by BP and ConocoPhillips. The South American Map, designed for kindergarten through eighth grades, 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.

“This map enlivens the study of geography, making it physically interactive, intellectually stimulating, and – importantly – lots of fun,” said Dan Beaupré, National Geographic’s director of education partnerships for National Geographic Live. “With the introduction of this continent to our expanding roster of giant maps, we look forward to inspiring a new class of geographic explorers, whether they be kids or kids-at-heart.”

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 Natonal Geographic .

Alaska schedule:

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. 18, Denali Elementary, Fairbanks
Nov. 19, Effie Kokrine Charter School, Fairbanks
Nov. 20, GeoFest community event, Effie Kokrine Charter School, Fairbanks
Nov. 23, Crawford Elementary, Eielson Air Force Base
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. 16-17, Houghtaling, Ketchikan

Everyone loves the Giant Map of South America, which makes geographic education fun.