Learning Physical Geography Through Making an Edible Map!

Submitted by: Nissa Sugden
Endorsed by: Don Descy
Mankato State University

May 8, 1998

Description:

The students will learn physical geography about a state or a country by making an edible map.  They will use different edible objects to display the different geographical landmarks of that state or country.  This lesson is aimed for early elementary students, and is messy and fun!  Materials needed are dough, blue icing, chocolate chips, M&Ms, etc.  The recipe included, makes about 25 small maps.

Grade Level: 1-3

Goal: Students will learn the geographical features of a state or country.

Objective:

Using a physical map for reference, students will make an edible map, that shows the major physical features of their country or state.

Background Information:

This activity can be used for any country or state!  The students should have reference maps to get the information to make the maps.   Have the dough pre-made and divided for the class.  The dough is really greasy so you might want to keep that in mind for your classroom set-up.  If you are using this for the first grade, you may want to make an outline of the state or country, to help them manipulate the dough, and laminate it.

Concepts:

Students will be able to describe the representations of the edible physical map to the rest of the class.
If you want to expand on this, you could have the students research and write up information on each of the physical characteristics of that state or country.

Materials:

dough recipe (see below)
reference map
wax paper ( if needed)
different colored sprinkles
blue icing
chocolate chips
M&Ms
Red pull apart licorice
pre-made map outline (if needed)

Dough Recipe:
 * 2 cups smooth peanut butter
 * 2 1/2 cups powdered milk
 * 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
 * 2 cups white corn syrup

Procedures:

1. Pre-make and separate the dough at home .
2. Give each student or group of students (two or three at the most), a reference map to find the geographical features.
3. Give each student or group, a portion of the dough.
4. Have the students shape the dough to represent the state or country.
5. Once the map is shaped, have the students place the edible objects, that represent the landmarks, accordingly.
6. When the map is finished, have the student or groups share their map with the rest of the class.
(Ask the students to look for any corrections needed).
7. EAT!!!

Assessment:

Depending on if you had the students write up information on the major physical features, you can grade this portion according to the requirements. Otherwise the only assessment for the map would be that the students have the landmark representations accurately placed and are able to tell the class about their map .

**  This activity was given to me by one of my social studies professors.  This activity was created by Susan B. Ouzts.
 

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