Map Projections Discussion Prompts & Pause Points

Read the movie description that appears below the movie player on Map Projections Topic Page . Then use the following prompts to encourage class discussion before, during, and after watching the movie.

Before

• What is the difference between a globe and a map?
• Why do you think a flat map of the world was so important in the age of exploration?

During (Pause Points)

Stop at the following times in the movie and ask questions or prompt a discussion to keep students focused and to assess their understanding before moving on:

• Timecode 2:54: How do you think the Mercator map projection changed sea voyages? Could it have saved lives? If so, how?  
• Timecode 4:58: What are the differences between interrupted projections and compromised projections? Which would be better for long distance travels?  
• Timecode 5:27: What effect does the cartographer’s point-of-view have on how we see the globe? How does it influence the representation of your country?  

After

• If you were to choose one of these map projections to create, which would you select, and why? Is a GPS another form of map projection, or more like a globe?