Scribble+Maps+-+Melissa

Scribble Maps

• Scribble Maps is a Web 2.0 tool that makes it very easy to view, draw and interact on maps. Scribble maps is so easy to use that it can be used by anyone from elementary school to college and even business professionals. This program enables users to take any map and personalize it with drawings, measurements, and distinctive markings. Scribble Maps is a free program that is easy to use on any computer. This tool has a plethora of options that can provide fun, learning and practical use. Scribble Maps also encourages users to share their maps via Facebook or email.

• []   How Does It Work? How can it be used in your classroom?
 * When you first get on Scribble Maps there is a great tutorial that shows you how to start your first map and also how to save it to your computer or share it with friends. To get started all you need to do is click on the create map button at the top left-hand corner of your screen. Then, type in the state or location that you are looking for. When you find your location, you can zoom in as much as you want and then you will be able to start interacting with the tool bar. The tool bar has a lot of different choices for manipulating your map. Here, you can write a note or even trace a route. There are so many tools on Scribble Maps that you really just need to play around with them and see which one works best for your purpose.


 * Scribble Maps is an excellent option for teachers who want their students to learn hands on. One of the ideas that I developed and used this year was centered around Scribble Maps. First, I had my students look at the state of Maryland and find two areas that they would want to live. Then, they had to determine if it was a rural, urban, or suburban area. They also had to give the reason that they wanted to live there. This gave them the opportunity to learn new areas in Maryland while identifying those that they were interested in.

This is where the students placed their markers to show where they wanted their houses.

How can it be used in your classroom? Scribble Maps can also be used for intermediate students in mathematics. The activity that I developed could help students practice adding and comparing decimals. I first created a map with multiple markers. Then I had the students find the distances between two areas and compare them. This enabled students to understand the distances between locations while practicing their decimal skills. Students would then find the shortest route to a destination. This activity is also beneficial because students can see and learn the practical use of Scribble Maps.

This map shows one of the distances. Then they can go to the next red line and check that distance to compare.

Other Ideas!

• Social Studies Unit- locate where different Native Americans settled.

• Map Skills- making a compass rose and locating places that are north, south, east, west of one location. • Writing- Writing driving direction for someone.