Secondary data

Start by asking pupils to respond to the question: Do maps show you everything that is in a place?

Look at a map of your school and local area such as map A below and ask pupils what they can see on the map (not a lot). Zoom into your school grounds (still not a lot), switch to aerial or satellite layer, Map B, and ask the same thing.

We can now see many more features, but does it include everything? What might not be shown on the map?

Now go out into the grounds and record features that are there that they couldn’t see, flowers, litter, people, cars, benches, drain covers, birds, bugs etc. Discuss why this might be (scale, change, age of satellite images, cannot see under things).

Consider whether the map shows sounds, smells, tastes, or textures… could it?

Revisit the title question – Do maps show you everything that is in a place? How has pupils’ thinking changed?

What is the best way to know what can be found in a place? Is that always possible? So, what other sources of information can support a map to help us find out about an unfamiliar place?

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The Geographical Association (GA) has worked closely with the Field Studies Council (FSC) to develop these resources.