My project needs 4 copies of 3 books, each with reproductions of historic maps.
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Dobkin's classroom raised $391
This project is fully funded
My name is Molly Dobkin. I am a teacher at a small public school in New York’s East Village/Alphabet City neighborhood. I teach a mixed-age class of 3rd and 4th graders. I am the lead classroom teacher for this group. This involves teaching math, science, social studies, reading and writing. The students at my school, Children’s Workshop, come from diverse backgrounds, in terms of race, nationality, ethnicity, religion and socio-economic status. There are several children in my class who are English language learners.
Last year, I began the year with an in-depth mapmaking study. I chose this study in order to familiarize students with both with our local area, and with the larger region and country, in order to lay the groundwork for our study of native American groups from around the U.S. I came to appreciate the study of maps and mapmaking enormously, as I realized that studying and drawing maps uniquely requires students to develop their observation abilities as well as many other critical thinking skills. My students enthusiastically rose to the challenges of this study. Throughout the year, we returned again and again to mapmaking, within the context of our study of northeast woodland native Americans, as well as in our study of different genres of read-aloud books. The students continued to notice and utilize maps in all sorts of places, from independent reading books to class trips.
This year, I want to continue the practice of teaching about maps and mapmaking, but in the context of our study of the age of exploration and colonization of North and South America. This study will bring up a whole new aspect of mapping: The history of cartography. Through class trips and in-class lessons, we will explore the evolution of mapmaking, from early maps made prior to the age of exploration, to current world maps made with all the benefits of our modern technology. We will also explore the maps of non-western cultures, who had different, albeit extremely effective, mapmaking techniques. As part of this effort, I am requesting funding for several books with reproductions of historic maps. Having these books on hand will allow students to appreciate all of the intricacies of historic maps, from their changing coordinate systems, to their brilliantly theatrical illustrations. Students will be able to closely explore the unique features of these maps, including coats of arms and symbols of local vegetation and industry. As part of the curriculum, we will consider why historic maps include these features, and how each element of the maps tells us not only about the history of cartography, but about the larger history of exploration. I am extremely excited for students to become familiar with these rich historic documents which are so different from the topographic and satellite maps to which they have become accustomed.
I am going to continue the thread of mapmaking and map history throughout the year, as we move on to the settlement of New Amsterdam and then the larger British settlement of the original thirteen colonies. I truly believe that having these mapping books on hand will enrich my students’ education. Rather than simply viewing maps in textbooks, a secondary source, the students will be looking directly at the maps, a primary source, and through this process establishing their own unique understanding of mapmaking and the history of cartography. Students can appreciate historic maps from many perspectives. They can look at these documents as scientists, artists, anthropologists. I know that each child in my class will, with the help of these books, find something unique to appreciate about these maps, which will in turn deepen and enrich his or her learning experience.
More than half of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Historical Atlas of Exploration: 1492-1600 Angus Konstam
• Barnes and Noble
$22.50
4
$90.00
Antique Maps Carl Moreland, David Bannister
• Barnes and Noble
$22.45
4
$89.80
100 Maps: The Science, Art and Politics of Cartography Throughout History Martin Marix Evans, Clark John O. E. (Editor), Jeremy Black (Introduction)
• Barnes and Noble
$22.45
4
$89.80
Materials cost
$269.60
Vendor shipping charges
$26.96
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$6.74
Fulfillment labor & materials
$17.00
Total project cost
$320.00
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$70.24
Total project goal
$390.24
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$390.24
2 Donors
-$376.47
Donations toward project cost
-$320.00
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Dobkin and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
