Lesson plans for mapping and geography can be inspired by the Harry Potter book series. Harry Potter was very lucky when Ron’s twin brothers gave him a magical map. This map showed him all the interior corridors of Hogwarts school, including the grounds. It also showed the location of each person as they walked through these corridors. Why not introduce some of these ideas into your science lesson plans or geography lessons for his class? It begins with the story of Harry Potter and the magical map of him.

We know that there are no maps like the ones used at Hogwarts School for us in our world, but many of our technological advances today employ GPS technology. Modern technology can pinpoint where we are and give us directions on where we want to go. Is this magic? No, it’s not. What is the technology used by GPS in cars, boats and planes? Ask these questions in your mapping and geography lesson plans.

Science lesson plans for cartography or map making can teach children how maps are made. Perhaps a lesson plan could include mapping your school, including elevations if you have more than one ground floor. Or your students can make a map of their neighborhood. In addition to streets, remember to include important features like bus stops, fire hydrants, parks, and important buildings.