Create a Continent
IB UNIT 1
You will create three thematic maps that give information about a continent
which you create. You will be graded by how well each of the maps
corresponds with the other two! For example, if you put a desert on the
physical map, you can’t color a forest in that same spot on the vegetation zone
map, and commercial fishing in that same spot on the land use and economic
activity map. This activity requires lots of thinking and checking back and forth
between the maps! Good luck, Thinkers!
Physical Map and Population Density
• 1. Draw a map that includes at least 5 of the following: basin, bay, cape, delta,
desert, gulf, island, mountain range, plain, plateau, sea, strait and valley. Include
a map legend.
• 2. Give your continent a name and, also, add the title: Physical and Population
Density Map. Your map should include a compass rose, one parallel of latitude
(marked with the degree and N or S), and one meridian of longitude (marked
with the degree and E or W). The coordinates for your continent may not place it
on top of an existing world continent.
• 3. Add elevation to your map legend. Use at least four colors. Color your map to
show the four different elevations on your continent. The entire map must be
colored.
• 4. Include at least 3 cities with 1 to 4 million people, two with 4 to 8 million, and
one with over 8 million. Add this to your map legend. Choose their location
wisely.
Vegetation Zones Map
• Trace your original map. You are adding a second map of the SAME
CONTINENT!
• 1. Title your map: Vegetation Zones, and add a compass rose, and the
same parallel and meridian from your physical map.
• 2. Draw and color the map legend with at least four to six colors
representing the vegetation zones on your continent. Make a map legend
of the vegetation zones you chose and the colors. All of the map must be
colored.
• 3. Make sure the vegetation zones correspond with the landforms and
water bodies from your physical features map.
Economic Zone Map
• Trace your original map. You are adding a third map of the SAME
CONTINENT!
• 1. Title your map: Economic Activity and Land Use Map. Add a compass
rose, and the same parallel and meridian from your physical map.
• 2. Create a map legend using different colors to represent Land Use. Use
the colors to show how the land is used. All of the map must be colored.
• 3. Add a second map legend for Resources. Put at least four symbols for
resources in appropriate spots on your continent. Keep vegetation Zones
in mind as you do so.
FINAL CHECK
Does EACH map have:
• Your name on the front _____
• A map title_____
• A map legend_____
• The same parallel and meridian_____
• A compass rose_____
• Color _____
• Your class period on the back_____