Week 5 Map Project

Using Google Maps, I decided to make a road trip project where students could design a journey through their home state or country. They’ll pick some cities, use the description box to tell me about each city, then design a trip on Google Maps that includes all of those cities. Here’s what the directions would look like: 

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Road Trip Map Project: Assignment Overview

In this project, you’ll create your own virtual road trip through your home state or country using Google Maps. You’ll explore different cities and towns, learn what makes them special, and plan a route that connects them all into one awesome road trip adventure!

By completing this project, you will:

• Learn more about cities and landmarks in your state

• Practice using digital mapping tools

• Write short, descriptive summaries

• Design a creative, realistic travel route
  
  

Instructions

Step 1: Open Google Maps

• Go to Google Maps

• Make sure you’re signed in with your Google account.

• Click the menu (☰) and choose “Your Places” → “Maps” → “Create Map.”

Step 2: Choose Your Cities

• Pick 7–10 cities or towns in your home state or country that you’d like to visit.

• Try to choose a mix of large cities, small towns, and interesting spots (tourist attractions, nature, historical places, etc.).

Step 3: Add Cities to Your Map

• Search for each city and click “Add to map.”

• For each city, write a one-sentence description explaining what it’s known for or why you’d want to visit.

• Example (for Traverse City, MI): “A fun northern town known for its cherry festival and beautiful beaches.”

Step 4: Plan Your Road Trip

• Use the “Directions” tool in Google Maps to connect your cities in the order you’d visit them.

• Choose your starting point (like your hometown) and ending point (can be the same or different).

• Make sure your map clearly shows the route of your road trip.

Step 5: Customize Your Map

• Change pin colors, add icons, or organize layers (for example, “Places to Visit,” “Route,” etc.).

• Add a title and short description for your map (ex: “Michigan Road Trip Adventure”).

Step 6: Share or Submit

• Once your map is complete, click “Share” and change it to “Anyone with the link can view.”

• Copy your map link and submit it to the dropbox.

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In my next blog post, I'll embed an example of of the kind of map I'd expect my students to create: a trip through my home state of Michigan.