A map is a representation or picture of a place with selected characteristics shown as symbols. Maps present information about the world visually and allow us to see relationships and patterns. Maps are powerful tools for visualizing information that can support inquiry in the classroom. For example, maps play a critical role in the Geo-Inquiry Process, which encourages students to develop a question, collect data, and visualize the data to understand the root of the problem. Maps can also communicate information and move others to action.

The goal of this course is to increase your knowledge about maps and spatial thinking in order to help you develop classroom learning experiences that improve your students’ skills in using maps to make sense of the world. From mental maps to paper maps to interactive maps, these visual representations of data are useful tools for learning and communicating information.