ISSUED: 26 March 2015
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — Shepherd University is hosting the National Geographic Traveling Map of Europe March 30-April 3. The 26 by 26 foot map will enable students in grades K-8 to embark on a mock tour of the world’s second smallest continent, while learning about its rich history and diverse geography.
The vibrant vinyl map will guide students through lessons and fun activities related to Europe’s climate, natural resources, famous landmarks, demographics and more. Teachers are provided with a trunk of accessories designed to enhance the lessons and encourage student engagement in content-rich games suitable for various age groups and class sizes.
The activities include a geography-themed version of Simon Says, in which students utilize movement and knowledge to locate key places on the map; All Aboard the Landmark Carousel, which explores iconic European landmarks and human geography; and The Grid Game, which reviews the concept of identifying a location using latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates.
National Geographic’s Giant Traveling Maps program, managed by National Geographic Live, is the public programming division of the National Geographic Society.
“Sharing the Giant Map with area school children introduces them to the Shepherd campus and engages them with our teacher candidates,” said Dr. Rebecca Mercado, associate professor of education. “It also brings the world to them. The idea of ‘walking all over Europe’ by exploring the huge map is exciting, and I think everyone will learn something interesting about our neighbors across the Atlantic.”
The schedule for the map is:
- Monday, March 30: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Student Center Storer Ballroom
- Tuesday, March 31: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Student Center Storer Ballroom
- Wednesday, April 1: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wellness Center
- Thursday, April 2: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wellness Center
- Friday, April 3: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wellness Center
The Giant Map is free and open to the public.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Its mission is to inspire people to care about the planet. Founded in 1888, the society is member supported and offers a community for members to get closer to explorers, connect with other members and help make a difference. National Geographic has funded more than 10,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com.
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