Treasure Map

Create your own treasure map using topographic symbols and a directional compass.

• 1.

  Cut open a recycled grocery bag with Crayola® Scissors.

• 2.

  To make an imaginary Treasure Map on the blank side of the bag, draw the area's outer boundaries with Crayola Construction Paper Crayons. Create a bird's-eye view. Include landscape details such as mountains and rivers. Invent your own symbols if necessary.

• 3.

  Use a white crayon to make a dotted line to draw a path to the treasure.

• 4.

  Draw a compass rose in a corner of the map to show the orientation of directions.

• 5.

  Cover your work area with recycled newspaper. Use Crayola Watercolors and Brushes to color forests, water, and other landscape details. While the paper is still damp, crumple it.

• 6.

  After a few minutes, flatten the paper. Tear around the edges to create an aged look for your Treasure Map.

Benefits

• Children study and recognize topographical symbols on maps.
• Students create their own topographical Treasure Maps using symbols they learned or inventing new ones.
• Students learn about directions, then create and read a compass.

Adaptations

• Write directions to the treasure in words, using directions and topographical symbols.
• Make maps for real treasure hunts. Use a compass to find directions. Hide surprises.
• Use a treasure map to help students prepare for a test. Write instructions related to study questions. Teams take turns answering questions. Correct answers get one hint toward finding the treasure.
• Arrange for younger or special needs students to sit at a window looking out at the playground. Invite them to draw maps of the playground using symbols for equipment, trees, and other landmarks. Go outside with maps and crayons to add treasure hunt paths to the maps, actually walking from location to location as they draw.