The National Geographic giant traveling maps have proven to be a boon to geography education. However, their popularity nationwide has made it increasing difficult to schedule them at our schools.

To make giant maps more available, the Washington Geographic Alliance is creating a giant traveling map of Washington State. It will be 22 feet high, 32 feet wide, and weigh 80 pounds. Like the National Geographic giant traveling maps, students will be able to walk on the map in their stocking feet.

The cartography was completed by Allan Cartography of Medford, Oregon. Three copies of the map were printed by Berry and Homer of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and are now in our possession.

The giant traveling map of Washington State will first be on public display at Benaroya Hall in Seattle during the National Geographic Live lectures of May 11 and 12.

During this summer, a set of grade specific activities will be created for the giant traveling map of Washington State. We hope to have the maps available for loan to your schools this fall. Please watch our web site for details.

Walk from the frozen lands of upper Canada to sunny Mexico on National Geographic's Giant Traveling Map (26 x 35 foot) of North America!

This Giant Traveling Map had a special showing at the Puyallup Fair from Thursday, September 18 through Sunday September 21 in Building 17 (Pavilion - 1st floor).

Thanks to all of our volunteers who helped staff the map during its showing!

The Washington Geographic Alliance (WGA) is a non-profit Washington State corporation whose purposes include:

• Promotion and enhancement of kindergarten through university geographic education in the state of Washington.
• Creation and maintenance of a strong grassroots organization of geographic educators from schools and universities.
• Participation in educational reform at the district, state, and national levels.
• Engagement in an active program of preservice and in-service teacher education.
• Development of curriculum materials based on the National Geography Standards.
• Fostering public awareness of the importance of geography in our society.

Bring the World into Your Classroom Washington Geographic Alliance 2009 Summer Institute

Society and Nature in Puget Sound Country

Kent, Washington July 6-10, 2009