Giant National Geographic Map of Asia Visits Edison School

Students at Edison Elementary are exploring Asia in a big way—with the world’s largest map of the continent. Edison plans to share the wealth with other District 205 schools and their families from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28.

The map measures 26 by 35 feet and is designed as a giant game board to introduce students to the diverse geography of Asia. Edison School applied for the opportunity and will host the map from January 23 to February 3 as part of National Geographic’s Giant Traveling Maps program, organized by National Geographic Live, the public programming division of the National Geographic Society.

Each school has been assigned a one-hour time slot to make sure visitors are staggered and can fully enjoy interacting with the map:

• 9 a.m. Fischer
• 10 a.m. Lincoln
• 11 a.m. Jefferson
• 12 p.m. Field
• 1 p.m. Emerson
• 2 p.m. Jackson
• 3 p.m. Madison and Edison
• 4 p.m. Hawthorne

“We are excited about hosting the map and families from our sister schools on Jan. 28,” said Edison PTA President Karen Stezowski. “There are only four National Geographic Giant Maps of Asia in existence, and we are only the third district in Illinois to ever host one. We are grateful for District 205's support in helping us share this incredible resource with as many students as possible.”

The map offers students wide and varied explorations across the continent, an expanse encompassing almost 30 percent of the Earth’s total land mass. They may brave Arctic tundra, walk the Gobi Desert, and visit the highest and lowest places on Earth. Or they may explore the amazing diversity of human cultures found in Asia’s 47 countries. Whether it’s the birthplace of civilization, nomadic peoples, rainforest tribes or the world’s fastest growing economies, there is much to explore and learn about on this giant map.

Other related activities at Edison School on Jan. 28 include Scents of Asia, sponsored by the REACH PTA, a display of Asian currency, a map museum, a display of National Geographic magazines and an atlas room.

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, 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. 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.”