Wabanaki Studies > Wabanaki Lessons > Mapping the Wabanakis

Mapping Maine by Heart

A mapping lesson to introduce the geography of Maine, essential place names, and location of the Wabanaki nations, both historically and currently.

MLR: GEOGRAPHY A-1, A-2, A-3, HISTORY C-4, C-5

Materials:

1.    Copies of selected maps showing geographical features, ancestral tribal lands, and reservation locations – maps can also be given to groups or just displayed on the classroom walls. Include a blank map of Maine for every students. Find maps at Mapping the Wabanakis and in The Wabanakis of Maine & the Maritimes.

2.    Colored pencils for each student

3.    Copy of Places on the Map of Maine - download: .doc, .pdf

Method:

1.    Give each student a blank outline map, the copied maps, and the Places worksheet

2.    Have students neatly add place names, then color the map.

3.    Students should make a key.

4.    Review completed maps, noting: the significant loss of ancestral lands, the location of large towns and Wabanaki reservations along waterways (where this is true), large parks and wilderness areas.

5.    In a prominent place, gather Questions to be Answered in further study of the Wabanakis and Maine history.

Assessment:  This can be a Local Assessment if accompanied by an appropriate scoring rubric.

The best assessment is to have students draw the map and label it by heart.  Alternatively, students can complete a similar activity (labeling from a word list) using a blank map. The Grading Rubric included with the HOME: Lesson 2 mapping activity will work well with this activity. 

Elizabeth Sky-McIlvain
Updated 8/7/07