Cultures and Religions of the Himalayan Region

Materials:

1. Overhead projector
2. Overhead transparency which can be fed through a copy machine
3. Copy of a map used for area of study (plain map with only borders)
Here are some maps you can use:
Map 1
Map 2
4. Poster board or white sheet
5. Markers, crayons, colored pencils, etc
6. Tape
7. Geography textbook, atlas or any other reference guides

Procedures:

1. Divide class into groups of 3-4. Provide a transparent map, markers, and any other writing utensil.
2. Using the overhead projector, focus the transparency onto a poster board or sheet that you have tapped to the wall. Make sure the students are aware that the image may move if the overhead is touched. (Repositioning the image is difficult and may create an inaccurate outline)
3. When the image is complete, have the students shut the overhead off and take their map off the wall.
4. Using reference guides, assign students seperate tasks in order to complete their map. Tasks should include key features that will be studied in class. Assigning seperate tasks will give each student the opportunity to take part in the project.
5. Have each group present their map and explain what they drew.

- Features to consider on the big map include:
1. Geographic Features: major rivers, mountains, elevation, deserts, etc
2. Cultural Factors: religions, languages, ethnicities, etc
3. Political Features: borders, countries, major cities, regions, etc

Other aspects to consider:
Have students obtain pictures from magazines and internet sites of people, animals, artwork, plants, and key features. Place these images in the appropriate spots on the map to which each picture is describing.

Resources:

Lesson: Asia Map Puzzle
- Interactive maps piecing countries together

Resource: Asia Directory
- Photos and interactive maps

Resource: Free Maps
- List of accessible maps of Asia

Resource: National geographic resource for online maps