Charting the World - (For Kids) by Richard Panchyk (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

As soon as early humans began to scratch images on cave walls, they began to create maps. And while these first drawings were used to find hunting grounds or avoid danger, they later developed into far more complex navigational tools. Charting the World tells the fascinating history of maps and mapmaking, navigators and explorers, and the ways that technology has enhanced our ability to understand the world around us. Richly illustrated with full-color maps and diagrams, it gives children an in-depth appreciation of geographical concepts and principles and shows them how to unlock the wealth of information maps contain. It also features 21 hands-on activities for readers to put their new skills to the test.

Children will: build a three-dimensional island model using a contour map, engrave a simple map on an aluminum "printing plate," determine the elevation of hills in their neighborhood, draw a treasure map and have a friend search for the hidden stash, create a nautical chart of a small puddle, survey their backyard or local park, navigate a course using a compass, and much more.

Now more than ever, the study of geography is crucial to understanding our ever-changing planet, from political change and warfare to environmental conservation and population growth.

Review Quotes

"The 21 side activities are enlightening and range widely in difficulty without requiring expensive or hard-to-get materials." --Kirkus Reviews

"With its vast array of information delivered in a dense text, this volume is for dedicated students." --School Library Journal

About the Author

Richard Panchyk is the author of World War II for Kids, Franklin Delano Roosevelt for Kids, and Galileo for Kids, and the coauthor of Engineering the City.