Mai Lesson
Build Your Own Map
Social Studies · 30 min · Ages 9-11 · Upper elementary · You and your child together
This lesson challenges learners to design and build a 3D model map of a chosen area, such as their neighborhood or a fictional land. They will use common household materials to represent geographic features and landmarks, understanding the importance of maps in daily life.
What your child gets out of it
- Identify and represent key physical and human features on a map.
- Understand basic concepts of scale and perspective in mapmaking.
- Construct a 3D model to illustrate geographical elevation and landmarks.
What you need
- Cardboard — A sturdy piece for the map's base.
- Newspaper — For creating hills, mountains, and other 3D features. (or Construction Paper, Printer Paper)
- Tape — For securing crumpled paper and other elements to your map.
- Markers — For adding details, colors, and labels to your map. (or Colored Pencils, Crayons)
- Glue — An alternative or addition to tape for construction. Liquid glue or glue sticks work.
How it runs
- Introduction · 5 min
- Explore & Plan · 8 min
- Discussion · 6 min
- Activity · 9 min
- Summary · 2 min
Why it matters
Professional cartographers and urban planners use 3D models and advanced maps to design cities, plan roads, and understand environmental changes, helping millions of people navigate and live better.
Mai is a tutor your child talks to out loud. Open this lesson in the app and she'll run it with them.
Open in Mai SchoolAlready have the app? Tap the link again from your phone and it opens right there.