Introduction: MAP MONSTERS
Learning Geography can become more fun when students are encouraged to add an artistic touch. Map Monsters is a wonderful cross-curricular activity that I do with my students that incorporates Geography, or reading maps and visual arts. After learning a particular geographic of an area of the world the children look for monsters hidden along the borders of the countries! Using whatever drawing tools are handy the monsters begin to climb out of the map!
Students enjoy learning the objectives of art and geography through creative experiences.
Step 1: Supplies
Supplies for this project are very basic. One needs a map and drawing (or / and watercolors) materials. I like to use assorted markers, colored pencils and metallic markers.
Step 2: White Out
Oh and white out (or acrylic paint) is perfect for eyes and teeth!
Step 3: First Step
First take a look at the map to find a monster image hidden somewhere along a countries border or deep in the mountains....
Step 4: Identifying Your Monsters
When you have found an image of a monster lightly draw over the map with pencil. When you are certain of your desired shape go over pencil drawing with a sharpie marker.
Step 5: Adding the Eyes and Teeth
Next if my monster has eyes or teeth, mine usually do but yours do not have to!
I use white out to identify these features.
Step 6: Adding Color
Using color pencil, watercolor and markers begin to fill in the creatures features with color and add detail.
Step 7: More Monsters
Finishing touches are added and this Map Monster is complete.
Step 8: More Monsters From Around the World!
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22 Comments
7 years ago
Love these! I only learned the soldier on the U.S. Flag as a kid. See photo! :) your monsters are more fun!
Reply 7 years ago
CUTE!!! I never knew that soldier was hidden in there!
7 years ago
Love these! I only learned the soldier on the IS
9 years ago on Introduction
Have you tried this yet?
10 years ago
Love these! Defiantly trying this! Your artistic style reminds me a lot of shel silverstine...
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Did you try this yet???
9 years ago on Introduction
Love it.
http://www.fiverr.com/nambzee
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Thanks You !!!!!
9 years ago on Introduction
this is great!!!!
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Thanks!
10 years ago on Step 13
Thanks
11 years ago on Introduction
Kids LOVE this project!! And adults too!
11 years ago on Introduction
Love this project. What a fantastic way to learn while drawing anywhere in the world...... Possibilities combing teaching and art are endless...... Thanks for a great idea!
11 years ago on Introduction
Wonderful monster. :D
Hehe, I use to do the same thing in grade school, only for circled math answers. I use to make them in to all kinds of creatures which my teacher were none to pleased with. ;D
But then I was always bored in class and felt that we didn't have enough arts and crafts. ;)
11 years ago on Introduction
wow this is really cool. btw, where do you get all the maps? or do you just have a bunch ''laying around''?
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Well I'll tell ya Flyingfox567......people are forever trying to get rid of their treasured National Geographic magazine collections, they subscribe to them, they love them, read them, look at the pictures and then they dont know what to do with them, after many years of collecting... eventually, they give them to rummage sales, garage sales, they donate them where ever possible. Sometimes they will pay you to take them.....I take the maps. National Geographic maps are the best.
and yes, needless to say, I have a bunch of maps laying around waiting for my monsters to crawl out of them!
11 years ago on Introduction
A great and fascinating way to use maps!!! This will be educationally stmiulatingand fun for the students AND their teachers. Super!!
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Thank You so much I am pleased that you enjoyed my instructable!!!
Best,
Susan B Cirigliano
11 years ago on Introduction
Oh I just ADORE these! What a fun fun way to talk about maps! I am thinking of using this in my classroom next year to teach art history. Using your idea, the monster could be made using a technique by the artist to illustrate the area he or she came from. WONDERFUL idea! I am also going to share with with my colleagues!
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
BTW, have you ever thought of making this idea into a book? I could see these used as rich illustrations to teach a lesson about a region, perhaps filled with facts, but the "monster" of the area could be telling the story. Again well done!