History: Maps of the World

History: Maps of the World is an atlas resource with an extensive collection of maps that span the history of the world’s seven continents and five oceans. The 178 maps are divided into four categories: General, Polar Regions and Oceans, World War II, and The Public Schools Historical Atlas of 1905. Users can type keywords into the search bar to locate a desired map in the collection. Many maps are primary resources, and all maps are accompanied by their date of creation. Maps cover a variety of topics, including population density, treaties, language distribution, and the storming of Normandy. Additional maps are available for purchase.

Instructional Ideas

1. Teachers can use Maps of the World to lead a class discussion by having students compare two maps that focus on the same area, or how two different maps depict the same geographical region. To spur class discussion, ask questions such as: What information do these maps provide? What makes this information useful? If you were a mapmaker, what information would you include on the maps that is not included? How would a traveler from the time period when the maps were created use this information?
2. Using Maps of the World in a lesson, teachers can differentiate instruction by combining a war map with a YouTube video about the map or its history as related to a significant event. Another layer can be added to this activity by having students explain the connections between the map and video in a short, written response.
3. When studying World War II, teachers can have students view battle maps using Maps of the World to compare with Google Earth maps. Next, teachers can instruct students to compose a short piece of writing that compares and contrasts the two types of maps.
4. Teachers can use different maps in Maps of the World as models for an activity in which students create maps of their local community.

Screenshots