Introduction: What is the Best Way to Learn About the Earth?

Ahoy, mates! Welcome to Map Explorers' LibraryQuest. To begin, think about everything you've learned about maps. The knowledge you already have about maps from other grades will allow you to begin this quest as a sailor.

To learn about the Earth, you must be able to read all kinds of maps. Once you demonstrate that you understand the geography terms by completing task 1, you will be promoted from a Sailor to a Captain. After completing this task, you will be promoted to a Commander!

While completing both tasks, you should be thinking about the following questions:

• What makes something a map?
• How does geography affect where people choose to live?

Before you get started, take some time to play with the Library of Congress "Zoom Into Maps" feature. Click on the symbol below from Washington, DC. Your teacher will demonstrate how to use this feature before you start this LibraryQuest.

Bird's-eye view of Washington, D.C.--the nation's capital /
[drawn by] H.H. Green; made for the B.S. Reynolds Company.
Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division.

Good luck on your adventure. Bon Voyage!