My Wonderful World Blog

Baltimore Festival of Maps

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Image courtesy of “You Are Here, Hon”

I recently got the opportunity to visit the Baltimore Festival of Maps at the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore,MD. Organized by the Field Museum and Newberry Library in Chicago, the main exhibit, “Maps: Finding Our Place in the World,” is the largest and most diverse map display since the Baltimore’s map festival over 50 years ago. The unique exhibit has brought in higher than projected crowds since its grand opening on March 16 and will run through June 8.

 

I had the pleasure of being able to view the entire exhibit at the Walters when I went. In the main section of the exhibit there are an assortment of maps ranging in style, projection, and age. The Baltimore Map Festival has something for everyone—the map of J.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth, an ancient coastline wood cut out, a computerized version of Washington D.C. during the War of 1812 created by students at UMBC (University of Maryland Baltimore County), and the game board for the game “Risk”, to name a few.   One of my favorite pieces was the computerized depiction of the Civil War, scaled down to only four minutes, that showed the opposing sides’ territories on a United States map. Another is a lady’s white glove that amazingly has a map of London drawn on it, created by George Shove for the 1851 Great Exhibition. I also got to see a version of the lion map of Belgium and Holland that I featured in a previous blog entry, “Art and Geography”.

Overall my favorite feature of the exhibit is the rotating section “Maps on Purpose”. These maps are of local Baltimore neighborhoods and were created by children and other members of each community. During my visit, the maps from Druid Hill Park,Tuscany Canterberry, and Patterson Park/Patterson Place were on display. This held a great personal connection for me as my dad’s family is from Druid Hill Park; it was really exciting to see a part of my family heritage on display.

 

I had an amazing trip to the Baltimore Map Festival at the Walters Art Museum and would highly recommend making the trip. For more information about the exhibit at the Walters go to their maps home page. Additionally, for more information about the city wide festival visit their site, and to get the latest dish about maps and Baltimore check out the official blog, “You Are Here, Hon”. 

Marie for My Wonderful World

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What's in your backyard?

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Image courtesy of B.Navez, from Wikimedia Commons.

Have you explored your backyard or local park lately? Create your own BioBlitz and tell us what interesting plants, animals, bugs, and other organisms are native to your neighborhood. If you're in the Los Angeles area, make sure to stop by the second annual Bioblitz in the Santa Monica Mountains, California, May 30-31. This 24 race to identify as many species as possible will involve scientists, naturalists, and volunteers like you. The event is hosted by National Geographic and the National Parks Service, and My Wonderful World will be on hand to join in the fun and help infuse a geographic perspective.

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Five for Friday

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It’s time once again for our Friday sampling of geographic news articles and resources on the web!

1. National Geographic releases "Greendex" Survey.
National Geographic and GlobeScan have just revealed the results of the first ever international survey of consumer environmental behavior. No surprise here: Americans rank at the bottom, scoring worse than those in any other country, developing or developed, on housing, transportation and goods. They are by far the least likely to use public transportation, to walk or bike to their destinations or to eat locally grown foods. Visit the Greendex website to learn more and calculate your own Greendex score.

2. North Carolina  and Indiana Primary Results Maps.
We can’t get enough of these election maps! Check out this set from the most recent presidential primaries in Indiana and North Carolina, from PoliticalMaps.org. A wealth of information is presented, from predictions, to victory margins, to comparisons with previous elections.

3. Meridian International Children’s Festival
This Saturday, May 10, the Meridian International Center in Washington, D.C will host the Meridian International Children’s Festival, an “interactive and educational fun-fair that promotes cultural exchange and understanding among children of all ages.” Representatives from 18 international embassies will share themes of world geography. But the learning doesn’t stop there: Funds raised from the festival will help support Meridian’s International Classroom, a global education program. Stop by if you’re in the area!  

4. An Atlas of Community Based Plans in New York City.
The Municipal Arts Society Planning Center has produced an excellent, interactive online resource called “Planning for all New Yorkers: An Atlas of Community Based Plans in New York City." The atlas forms part of an initiative to engage local residents, government officials, and stakeholders in the creation of livable, desirable neighborhoods.

5. Traveler IQ Challenge
Test your geographic prowess with this fun, online game that is a favorite on social networking sites, like Facebook.com, and has gained national media attention. It may seem simple at first, but it speeds up and becomes quite tricky!

Sarah for My Wonderful World

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Geographic learning in the U.K.: Part 1

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One of the Cabinet War Rooms(figures are wax likenesses—not real people!) Image courtesy of John Caban.

You may have noticed an absence of my signature here these last couple of weeks. Out on a vacation to the United Kingdom, I experienced the characteristic London drizzle, and much more. Crossing back over “the pond” (British expression referring to the Atlantic Ocean that separates Europe from the eastern coast of the U.S.), I felt quite rejuvenated! The great thing about “doing geography” for a living is that even when you travel and are “on vacation,” you still learn and build up the geographic repertoire! I gathered plenty of material for the blog during my trip. In the next couple of entries, I will recount a few geographic experiences and observations from the U.K.

Lesson 1: World Geography & History, Military Geography.

Imperial War Museum: Cabinet War Rooms and Churchill Museum
Nestled beneath the streets of London are a series of [once] secret chambers that served as “command central” for the British Military during World War II. Here, Winston Churchill and his cabinet of top officials and advisers met to plan and execute military strategy. These advisers often lived full time in the underground recesses.

My favorite room was the main command and control station: the “Central Map Room.” This room, plastered with maps on all four walls, served as the hub for strategic decision-making. The Central Map Room was not the only room replete with maps—Winston Churchill’s own bedroom was similarly outfitted. Imagine Churchill gazing at his maps as he lay awake, leaping up now and again to rearrange push-pins representing advances and fortifications!

Of course, I was far from shocked that maps were integral to top-level strategy during World War II. Warfare almost always involves carrying out operations in space—spatial thinking—often in “foreign” environments. Thus, strategists must take tactical and geographic factors of terrain, climate, and cultural landscape into careful consideration, particularly in a war of scale as massive as World War II. Beyond the maps, the events of World War II had lasting effects on world geography today -- people, cultures, environments, politics, etc. World War II profoundly illustrates the history-geography connection.

History and military buffs and travelers over the age of nine or so will find the Cabinet War Rooms and Churchill London Museum intriguing, educational, and ripe for discussion and research. So if you’re ever in London, I highly recommend paying a visit! You can also visit the War Rooms online.

 If you found this journey into U.K geography interesting, gear up for “Geography Lesson 2”--coming soon!

Sarah for My Wonderful World

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Five for Friday

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Image courtesy of Little Smarties

 

This Friday, we're serving up five of our favorite geographic videos for your viewing pleasure. We’ve managed to compile a diverse list that runs the gambit from slightly silly to ambitiously educational. Enjoy!

1. Geography Promo Video #1: A group of students from the Czech Republic explain why “We Love Geography.”

 

2. Geography Promo Video #2: The Royal Geographical Society and the Institute of British   Geographers present: “Going Places with Geography Part 1: Progression and Careers with Geography.”

 

3. This Fed Ex Commercial may seem purely comedic, but it in fact highlights a serious problem: Nearly 1 in 3 young Americans can’t find China, one of the world’s fastest growing economic powerhouses, on a map of the world (National Geographic Roper 2006). How embarrassing!

4. Blast from the Past #1: Carmen Sandiego’s “Rockapella” sings the theme song from the hit television series. “Where in the world is____ ____?”

5. Blast from the Past #2: The Animaniacs’ Yakko sings a song naming all the countries of the world. Pretty impressive!

Sarah for My Wonderful World

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Can the Power of Film Bring the World Together?

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Image courtesy of Pangea Day.org

PANGEA DAY – May 10

Next Saturday 24 short films, 7 concerts, and 13 visionary speeches will be broadcast simultaneously around the world. This global event, called Pangea Day in reference to the ancient super-landmass that all the current continents once comprised, seeks to overcome borders, difference, and conflict by allowing people to see the world through others’ eyes.

The featured films include animated shorts, non-fiction exposes, and a creative series of national anthems sung by non-nationals (e.g. a French chorus sings the Star Spangled Banner). Trailers for all films are available here.

Events begin at 18:00 GMT Saturday, May 10 (that’s 2 pm EST) in the cities of Cairo, Kigali (Rwanda), London, Los Angeles, Mumbai, and Rio de Janeiro. If you don’t live in or near one of the cities listed, no worries! The six events will be broadcast in seven languages worldwide via internet, mobile phone, and television; and there are thousands of local viewing parties open to the public, hosted by Friends of Pangea Day. Check out the interactive map to find an event in your local area. Or, sign up to host your own!

In further service of its mission to bring the world together, Pangea encourages those inspired by Pangea Day to participate in community-building activities around the world. The website will offer opportunities to connect activists with organizations, as well as open forums for discussion.

To learn more about Pangea Day, check out www.PangeaDay.org. Hope to see you there!

 

Sara R. for My Wonderful World

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Five for Friday

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Image courtesy of Associated Press Hosted by Google

1] National Parks Week April 19-27

Looking for an outdoor activity this weekend? Check out one of the National Parks. In celebration of National Parks Week, many parks are hosting events and programs including Junior Ranger Day, April 26. To find out what is going on at a National Park near you click here.

2] "Asia is the World's Cradle for New Strains of Flu" Associated Press Hosted by Google

Do you ever wonder where the flu starts, how it travels, or where it ends? Scientists at the U.S. National Institutes of Health have mapped paths of new influenza strains. Researchers have found the strains typically travel from their birth place in Asia, then cross continents until they die out in South America.

3] "World's Oldest Living Tree -- 9550 years old -- Discovered In Sweden"  Science Daily

Researchers, including Leif Kullman, Professor of Physical Geography at Umeå University , discovered a spruce tree with genetic material dating back 9,550 years in the Fulu Mountains in Dalarna,Sweden. Prior to this find scientists believed the world's oldest trees were pine trees in North America dating 4,000 to 5,000 years.

4] "State of the Democratic Primary - April 23rd 2008" Political Maps.org

Whether you are a Democrat or a Republican, this election year is probably one of the most intriguing in history. Political Maps.org has put together several maps and charts to demonstrate the geography of each candidate’s progress.

5] ‘The Geography of Light” Carrie Newcomer, folk artist.

Folk singer Carrie Newcomer released her new album “The Geography of Light” this year. Though the album is not a geography lesson, it is about “navigating and exploring the appearance of light and shadow in our lives.” Also, it sports a few titles this geographer appreciates, such as “There is a Tree” and “A Map of Shadows.”

Marie for My Wonderful World

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Envision 2050 Poster Contest

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Image courtesy of Urban Re:Vision

 

The eco-activism group Re:Vision, along with several other environmentally-focused groups, is hosting a poster contest called Envision 2050. Urban Re:Vision is passionately committed to developing a sustainable urban city block that can be used as a prototype for American cities. They are asking students to envision their world in the year 2050, focusing on “sustainability, reduced carbon emissions and the balance between environment and nature.” The contest is open for students in grades 6-12. Of the field submitted, 20 finalists will be chosen and have their work displayed in a gallery. Additionally The National Outdoor Leadership School will award four $4,250 summer scholarships to high school students as well as three top prizes for the middle school students. Envision 2050 is also encouraging teachers to incorporate the Envision 2050 poster competition into their class’ curriculum. They also will receive recognition and rewards if their student wins.

The deadline for submissions is May 15, 2008, and winners will be announced on June 1, 2008. For complete rules and more details check out their website.

 

Marie for My Wonderful World

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New MWW guest blogger series kicks off with "Spin the Globe" author Marissa Giamo.

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My Wonderful World is excited to announce the debut of a guest blogger series! In this  program we provide a forum for those actively "doing" geography to weigh in on the issues and share their personal experiences. We are thrilled to have Marissa Giamo, author of Spin the Globe Adventures (you may remember the piece I wrote about her first book on Australia) as our inaugural guest blogger. In this first post, Marissa describes her work bringing geography to life through children's stories. Enjoy!

Interested in contributing as a guest blogger? Please contact Sarah at scaban@ngs.org.

          American Students interested in Geography??? Is it possible?

 

Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

 

Contrary to the many newspaper articles listing American students at the bottom of the list for their knowledge of other countries, I see clues everyday that kids are interested in Geography.

 A few years ago, I decided to combine work and passion by writing children’s books about two subjects that I am very excited about: Geography and travel to different countries. I thought that if kids had the opportunity to hear about geography and international travel in a fun story, they would see how fascinating Geography could be.

 Taking matters into my own hands, I went to schools and read the stories to them. I was feeling pretty confident until I was about to walk into my first reading to forty pre-schoolers! What if the news shows were right and kids hated this stuff? Were they going to boo me out of the classroom and throw their snacks at me in protest? 

The reaction I got was the one that I was hoping for. They were very interested and very curious. They listened intently to the whole story and asked questions. They asked how long it took to travel to different countries. They were interested in finding out about differences in language and the animals. Not only did I not get booed, but they actually asked me to stay longer to talk about Geography!

Every classroom that I have visited since has been the same or better. The third graders I read to a couple of weeks ago had questions about what it was like to visit Australia. (The book I read to them was about Australia.) They liked hearing about some of the nicknames that “Aussies” have for things like “G’day” and “lollies” (candy). When I asked which country they would like to visit, every student had their own answer and a reason why. Some of the boys wanted to visit Russia, one girl wanted to see the Taj Mahal in India, and another wanted to visit Egypt to see the pyramids.

Even outside of the classroom I hear kids asking their parents curious questions. Mommy, what language is that man speaking? Or, What country do tigers live in?

The list goes on and on.

So, yes, it is possible. American kids are interested. From my experience, I find students are just looking for opportunities to discuss other countries and their people. They are curious about the world. They are curious about Geography!

 
Marissa Giamo

“Spin the Globe Adventures”

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Five for Friday

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Image courtesy of Green Apple Festival

1. Earth Day: Green Apple Festival

Love your wonderful world and celebrate Earth Day!

"America's largest Earth Day celebration” is coming to a city near you. The Green Apple Festival is made up of eight free concerts across the country beginning today, April 18, through Sunday, April 20. Some of the headliners include The Roots & Friends, O.A.R., Ziggy Marley, and many, many more. Check out their website to see who is playing and where. To find more Earth Day events near you, check out the Earth Day Network site.

2. Education: National Geographic State Bees

On April 4, geography's top 4th - 8th graders from across the country competed in their state bees in hopes of making it to the National Geographic Bee held in Washington, D.C. on May 20-21, 2008. Check out the list of state winners who will compete for the national title next month!

3. Economy: "Apartment rental costs are all over the map"

MSNBC, April 14, 2008

Across the U.S. the real estate market is in crisis and many American families are having trouble making their mortgage payments. Unfortunately, the price of rental units in some areas has not helped this crisis. While some cities such as Phoenix have seen a nine percent drop in average monthly rent, others have seen dramatic rises in average rents. Of twelve metro areas listed, nine show higher rents compared with the first quarter of 2007, with San Francisco topping the list at a 14.6 percent increase.

4. Maps: "Mapping history"

Wicked Local, April 4, 2008

Mr. Bill Betts, Jr. donated his private collection of historic maps to the Mattapoisett Free Public Library in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts. Betts grew up in Mattapoisett and decided the give back to the community when he heard that the library was being renovated. The library now has more than eight “ancient and historically significant" maps in their collection. Betts believes that the Azorean maps will be of particular interest in the area due to the region’s connection to the whaling industry as well as a concentration of people with Portuguese heritage in the area.  

5. Sports and Geography: Follow the Olympic Torch Around the World

Google Maps has created an interactive platform to follow the 2008 Olympic Torch relay on its historic journey around the world. For more information about the route and the torch-barers, check out the Official 2008 Beijing Olympics Torch Relay page.

 

Marie for My Wonderful World

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