Compare and Contrast Map Activity of Timbuctoo
Suggested Teaching Instructions
Title: Compare and Contrast Map Activity of Timbuctoo
Historical Context: Timbuctoo is deep in the land of the Adirondack Mountains. This mountain range is synonymous with rough weather and tough terrain. After New York State passed a law requiring African American men to posess $250 in real estate in order to vote, Gerrit Smith divided up his 120,000 acres into 40 acre lots and began inviting African American families to live and farm on his land. Gerrit Smith was a very wealthy land owner who invited roughly 3,000 African Americans to come and work on his 40 acre plots where these families could have new oportunities. The lands are in North Elba, New York.
Overview: Students will compare and contrast maps of Timbuctoo in Essex County, New York, using topographical maps from 1858,1876, and 2022. Students will identify the differences and similarities of the two maps and how the region has changed over the years. Using historical maps and current digital maps, teachers will demonstrate how to locate specific locations on maps.
Goal: Introduce students to the location of Timbuctoo with the use of maps.
Objectives:
Students will be able to compare maps of Timbuctoo from 1876 and 2022. 2. Students will be able to identify similarities and differences of maps of Timbuctoo using a Venn Diagram.
Investigative (Compelling) Question: What features were located in Timbuctoo? Were there any roads or rivers near Timbuctoo? Have those features changed over time?
Time Required
● 1 to 2 40-minute class periods.
● Lesson 1 Compare and Contrast maps of Timbuctoo.
Recommended Grade Range
● 4-6
Subject: ELA and Social Studies.
Standards:
Grade 4 Social Studies Standards:
4.1 New York State has a diverse geography. Various maps can be used to represent and examine the geography of New York State.
4.1a Physical and thematic maps can be used to explore New York State's diverse geography
4.5c The United States became divided over several issues, including slavery, resulting in the Civil War. New York State supported the Union and played an important role in this war.
4.5a There were slaves in New York State. People worked to fight against slavery and for change.
ELA Standards
4W2c: Use precise language and content-specific vocabulary.
10. Credits: Brad Clark
PREPARATION
Materials Used:
Map of Essex Co., New York. Philadelphia: W.O. Shearer & E.A Balch, 1858. Digital site: https://www.loc.gov/resource/g3803e.la000495a/?r=0.193,0.305,0.349,0.163,0
Map: New topographical map of Essex County, New York. O.W. Gray & Son, Philadelphia, Penn. 1876.
https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/608c1519-9af5-a0d3-e040-e00a18061e27
AnyPlace America.com: Free Essex County, New York Topo Maps & Elevations. https://www.anyplaceamerica.com/directory/ny/essex-county-36031/
Google Maps: Essex County, NY
PBS Searching for Timbuctoo First 3 minutes.
Venn Diagram
Resources Used:
Map of Essex Co., New York. Philadelphia: W.O. Shearer & E.A Balch, 1858. Digital site: https://www.loc.gov/resource/g3803e.la000495a/?r=0.193,0.305,0.349,0.163,0
Map: New topographical map of Essex County, New York. O.W. Gray & Son, Philadelphia, Penn. 1876.
https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/608c1519-9af5-a0d3-e040-e00a18061e27
AnyPlace America.com: Free Essex County, New York Topo Maps & Elevations. https://www.anyplaceamerica.com/directory/ny/essex-county-36031/
Google Maps: Essex County, NY
PBS Searching for Timbuctoo First 3 minutes.
PROCEDURE
Description of Procedure:
Lesson 1
● Connect: (10 min.)Students will watch the first three minutes of the documentary Searching for Timbuctoo. After watching the clip the teacher will ask students what they think the area around North Elba was like in the mid 1800’s. How has the area changed? Students can either write or draw their ideas. Students will have 5 min.
● Wonder: The teacher will display the maps of Timbuctoo from 1858 and 1876 on the board.. Students will also receive hard copies of the map. Are there any map features that can help students identify the location of Timbuctoo? (map key, compass rose, physical features, names, etc..) Compare the maps of 1858 and 1876 to maps from today. The teacher will display a current map of Essex County on the board. What similarities or differences do you notice? (10 min).
● Investigate: Using primary source maps from 1858 and 1876 and digital present day maps, students will compare and contrast using a Venn Diagram. Students will use Chromebooks to look up current maps on Essex County. (10 min.)
● Construct: Students will complete a Venn Diagram with at least 3 similarities and 3 differences. (5min).
● Express: Students will have the opportunity to share their Venn Diagrams with the class. (10 min).
● Reflect: The teacher will finish the lesson by having students display their Venn Diagrams in the classroom for further discussion.
Extensions:
This lesson can be used over a period of days to examine different maps of the location of Timbuctoo in Essex County.
EVALUATION
Evaluation: The teacher will evaluate student comprehension through the completion of the Venn Diagrams and class discussions throughout the lesson.