This lesson introduces students to map elements and concepts: what is a map and how is it similar and different from other visual representations of places?; legend/key, compass, scale, title and date, decorations/illustrations, projections and globes, purpose; how to interpret maps by reading the stories being told by mapmakers. Students create a quick map of their own, receive an interactive lesson about maps and mapping, and work in small groups to answer questions about some of the maps in our collection.