“The Earth in the Palm of Your Hand”: Mapping Contest at TKS
Beryl Markham once said, “A map says to you. Read me carefully, follow me closely, doubt me not…I am the Earth in the palm of your hand.” These words perfectly encapsulate the essence of the Mapping Contest conducted by the EVS department at TKS for classes 3-5, held from the 12th to the 15th of May 2023.
The primary learning objective of the contest was to cultivate an awareness of the importance and utility of maps among the learners. It aimed to develop and enhance their mapping skills by familiarizing them with the various features of a map. Prior to the contest, posters displaying information about the mapping contest were put up on notice boards, encouraging the students to explore the atlas extensively. This allowed them to gain a comprehensive understanding of different types of maps, including Political, Physical, and Thematic maps. Additionally, they learned about essential map features such as the compass rose, legend, scale, symbols, and colors used to mark locations on a map.
To make the learning process engaging and intriguing, students were quizzed about different places. For example, they were asked about the state famous for coconuts or the neighboring country known for thunderbolts. Students also attempted to locate various water bodies, landforms, physical divisions, states, and neighboring countries on the physical and political maps of India provided to them throughout the week. Ample practice was given to ensure that students could color uniformly and label different places neatly on the map.
The anticipation and enthusiasm among the learners for the Mapping Contest were palpable. They diligently followed all the instructions while attempting their maps. On the day of the contest, the students were provided with maps and a few specific locations to mark and label neatly. They showcased their skills with precision and creativity, presenting their maps in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
This contest ignited a genuine interest among the students to explore atlases, read different types of maps, and locate and mark places accurately. They learned the importance of labeling in capital letters, coloring evenly, drawing the compass rose correctly, and utilizing maps in their daily lives. The learning activity was conducted successfully, as the students presented their maps with meticulousness and a sense of pride.
