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Giant map of Asia coming to Pawnee schools
Students at Pawnee CUSD #11 in Pawnee will be exploring Asia in a big way beginning January 9 with the world’s largest
map of the continent. The map measures 26 feet by 35 feet and is designed as a giant game board to introduce students to the
diverse geography of Asia. It will be at Pawnee Elementary School from January 9th to January 20th as part of National
Geographic’s Giant Traveling Maps program, organized by National Geographic Live, the public programming division of the
National Geographic Society.
The map’s brightly colored, smooth vinyl surface accurately illustrates Asia’s oceans, seas, rivers, mountains, countries and
capitals. Designed for grades K-8, the map comes with a trunk full of accessories, including interactive activities and props and
photo cards that teach students about the physical characteristics of the continent as well as its rich history, wildlife, and varied
cultures. In “Cardinal Capture,” teams of students use cardinal directions to move student “pawns” around the map, capturing
opponents. In “To What Degree?” teams compete against each other to find the most locations using latitude and longitude
coordinates. Foam balls and hoops are used in “Geo-gym” games that teach students the diverse geography of the Asian
continent.
“These maps teach geography in a way that nothing else does. It is a physical as well as mental experience,” said Dan
Beaupré, director of education partnerships for National Geographic Live. “The hands- and feet-on experience makes a lasting
impression on students and sparks further interest.”
Mrs. Shelley Sitze, 5th & 6th Grade Social Studies teacher at Pawnee, stated, “We are so excited to use this map from
National Geographic. It is being funded by our schools’ Parent Teacher Organization. We emphasize geography in a big way at
Pawnee using a lot of maps and atlases. In our world today students need to have global knowledge and understanding about
other people, places, and environments. When events happen I want my students to know where it is located as well as having
some knowledge about the culture, environment, and the history so they can interact with any individual and can make well-
informed decisions regarding their world. “
National Geographic’s Giant Traveling Maps program was introduced in 2006 with a map of Africa, and has since expanded
to include maps of Asia, North America, South America and the Pacific Ocean. Each map measures 26 feet by 35 feet and is
loaned to schools and other hosts with an assortment of activities. In the 2011-2012 school year it is estimated more than
450,000 students will interact with one of these maps.
The maps also help showcase My Wonderful World, a multiyear National Geographic-led campaign to improve geographic
literacy and to help students become more informed global citizens. The campaign (mywonderfulworld.org) is designed to
improve the geographic literacy of young people ages 8-17 by motivating parents and educators to make geography more
available and accessible in school, at home and in the community.
To learn more about the Giant Traveling Map project, for borrowing information or to download map activities, visit www.
nationalgeographic.com/giantmaps.
The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in
1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the Society’s mission is to inspire people to care about the planet. It
reaches more than 400 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other
magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live
events; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 9,600
scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For
more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com.
Students at Pawnee CUSD #11 in Pawnee will be exploring Asia in a big way beginning January 9 with the world’s largest
map of the continent. The map measures 26 feet by 35 feet and is designed as a giant game board to introduce students to the
diverse geography of Asia. It will be at Pawnee Elementary School from January 9th to January 20th as part of National
Geographic’s Giant Traveling Maps program, organized by National Geographic Live, the public programming division of the
National Geographic Society.
The map’s brightly colored, smooth vinyl surface accurately illustrates Asia’s oceans, seas, rivers, mountains, countries and
capitals. Designed for grades K-8, the map comes with a trunk full of accessories, including interactive activities and props and
photo cards that teach students about the physical characteristics of the continent as well as its rich history, wildlife, and varied
cultures. In “Cardinal Capture,” teams of students use cardinal directions to move student “pawns” around the map, capturing
opponents. In “To What Degree?” teams compete against each other to find the most locations using latitude and longitude
coordinates. Foam balls and hoops are used in “Geo-gym” games that teach students the diverse geography of the Asian
continent.
“These maps teach geography in a way that nothing else does. It is a physical as well as mental experience,” said Dan
Beaupré, director of education partnerships for National Geographic Live. “The hands- and feet-on experience makes a lasting
impression on students and sparks further interest.”
Mrs. Shelley Sitze, 5th & 6th Grade Social Studies teacher at Pawnee, stated, “We are so excited to use this map from
National Geographic. It is being funded by our schools’ Parent Teacher Organization. We emphasize geography in a big way at
Pawnee using a lot of maps and atlases. In our world today students need to have global knowledge and understanding about
other people, places, and environments. When events happen I want my students to know where it is located as well as having
some knowledge about the culture, environment, and the history so they can interact with any individual and can make well-
informed decisions regarding their world. “
National Geographic’s Giant Traveling Maps program was introduced in 2006 with a map of Africa, and has since expanded
to include maps of Asia, North America, South America and the Pacific Ocean. Each map measures 26 feet by 35 feet and is
loaned to schools and other hosts with an assortment of activities. In the 2011-2012 school year it is estimated more than
450,000 students will interact with one of these maps.
The maps also help showcase My Wonderful World, a multiyear National Geographic-led campaign to improve geographic
literacy and to help students become more informed global citizens. The campaign (mywonderfulworld.org) is designed to
improve the geographic literacy of young people ages 8-17 by motivating parents and educators to make geography more
available and accessible in school, at home and in the community.
To learn more about the Giant Traveling Map project, for borrowing information or to download map activities, visit www.
nationalgeographic.com/giantmaps.
The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in
1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the Society’s mission is to inspire people to care about the planet. It
reaches more than 400 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other
magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live
events; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 9,600
scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For
more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com.
Issue Date: Dec. 29, 2011
