MYSTERY
Historians analyze. In this lesson, students will think about how a map can show the relationship between people and the environment. The lesson begins with students learning new vocabulary to support the lesson. They will analyze a natural resource map of Maryland and list the vast resources available. Using historical maps and contemporary images, students will look for evidence of how the growing population of the area has impacted the environment and make observations about the natural resources available over time. Students will use evidence from the maps and photographs to answer the mystery question: “How does a map show the relationship between people and the environment?”
“As a second and third grade teacher for the entirety of my career I had long taught students history through inquiry. Seeing students explore history in this way has been SUCH a joy! Lightbulb moments galore! A teacher’s dream!...unlike lessons I had taught in the past, I didn’t have to find the primary sources. I didn’t have to research them. I didn’t have to write the lesson plan from scratch. I didn’t have to do anything but read the lesson plan… and teach the lesson!”
“I just used the first lesson in the Mapping Unit. It was so great to get students talking about what they noticed and also expand their thinking on how maps have a special purpose to the user.”
"I love that students got to look at REAL court cases! And it was so easy to use!"
"I liked the simplicity of the handouts. Not too much there to be overwhelming--just enough. Simple, clear directions. The photographs of the clues were great for the students to have."
This Mystery is included in the following Private i History Detectives Unit: