Education Archives:
Geography Comes to Life in a Big Way
Remember the frustration you felt when you had to squint to see
the tiny world map on the wall at school? That problem will soon
be a thing of the past for both teachers and students at schools
around the country. There is a new trend towards doing things big.
Here are some ways BIG maps are being used.
"We sell a lot of world map wall murals to schools at this
time of year," says Todd Imholte, president of Environmental
Graphics, a Hopkins, Minn., company that specializes in decorative
products for the home. "Our map mural measures 13 feet by 8
feet. That's big enough for kids in the back of the classroom to
make out the countries."
Yolanda Johnston, a history teacher from Cal Exico, Calif., a
small town near the Mexican border, knew she had to have one when
she saw the giant mural in a magazine. "I feel it's important
to have the best tools possible to help kids learn, and the world
map I had was so small, it didn't make much of an impression on
the kids," says Johnston. "We're moving into a new
building this fall and the map is going to be the focal point of
my classroom. I know the kids are excited about having a big map
everyone can see."
World Maps aren't only being used for educational purposes in
schools. The Fairhaven Baptist Church in Mesquite, Texas recently
put one up in the back of the church auditorium. "Our church
supports 20 missionaries world wide and the map helps us keep
track of where they are," says Sharon Johnson. "It also
shows us how small America is compared to the rest of the world,
and helps us to see the size of the job we have."
Environmental Graphics' map murals sell for around $150 and can be
ordered by calling 800-HAMMACHER or visiting the company's website
at www.executiveworldmap.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content.
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