Extensions

In the main lesson, you learned how to add locations that are meaningful to you on a map.

In this extension, you will change the color and icon of each location marker.

By default, a marker uses a standard color and image.

You can change your markers to custom colors and images referred to as "icons." Changing the style of the markers will personalize your map and add more information about each location.

You can choose icons and colors to symbolize each location and make your map easier to read.

The color and icon of a marker can represent many things.

They can: Differentiate one location from the others, Symbolize change, Or show a theme.

To begin, select one of the locations on your map to change the color of the marker.

Choose a color that represents the location.

For example, you can use green to symbolize an outdoor location or red to show that a location no longer exists.

Next, customize the marker’s icon to suit your location’s purpose.

You might choose a football for a sports field at your school, a tree icon for a nature preserve, or an animal icon for a wildlife center.

If the location is a mural in your community, you might choose the paint palette icon to represent this.

Add style to at least three of your locations by changing the color and icon of each one.

Now, it’s your turn: Customize the color of at least three of your markers, And add an icon to each one.

In the main lesson, you learned how to add places of interest to your map.

In this extension, you will add a new layer to your map.

A layer is an additional page stacked on top of the same map.

You can have multiple layers on one map to showcase different types of places that fit an overall theme.

For example, one layer shows street art by Black artists while another layer features Black-owned businesses.

Adding layers to the map allows you to organize various locations by theme on one map.

In this extension you will: Choose a theme for your new map layer, Create a new layer, And rename it.

Brainstorm a theme idea for your new map layer.

If the first layer you created features street art from your community, choose another type of location you are passionate about in your community.

For example, you might add a layer that features: Restaurants with food from your culture, Historical places of interest, Or beautiful places in nature.

Choose any theme that is important to you.

To begin, add a new layer.

Then, rename it with the theme you chose.

Add locations to this layer using the same skills you learned in the main lesson.

Finally, rename your first layer, and the title of your map, if you’d like.

Now, it’s your turn: Choose a theme for the new layer, Add a layer to your map, Rename it, Add new locations, And rename your first layer and title of your map, if you’d like

In the main lesson, you shared your map with a partner.

You learned that maps are connected to the mapmaker and the locations most important to them, so no two maps will be the same.

Analyzing your map and someone else's can help you find what you have in common and what makes you different.

In this extension, you will create a list in Google Docs to compare and contrast your map with your partner's.

To begin, open Google Drive.

Find the map you created and the map your partner shared with you.

Then, create a new document… ...and rename it.

When comparing two things, it helps to organize details about the similarities and differences.

Lists are an easy way to help you arrange your observations in a clear and organized way.

Even if you’ve never heard of any of the locations on your partner's map, you can click through to see pictures and read the descriptions they have included to learn more.

Then, start a list of similarities you notice between your map and your partner’s map.

Number your list to keep it organized and easy to read.

While comparing and contrasting each map, you might consider: What is the theme of each map?

What groups of people are represented by each place?

Why would someone visit these places?

How long have the locations existed?

What do the locations show about the community?

Come up with at least three things the maps have in common, like locations in the same neighborhood, or similar themes.

Then, reflect on the differences in your maps.

Notice neighborhoods you and your partner featured or left out.

Create a numbered list.

And find at least three details that make your partner’s map unlike yours.

Now, it’s your turn: Open a new document in Google Docs and rename it, Find at least three similarities and three differences between your map and your partner’s map, And create numbered lists to organize your work.