Puzzle maps are cut into pieces that match the shapes of states, countries, or land masses. Students can assemble the map within a frame or, to provide tougher geography practice, without the frame. Handling and assembling the pieces can help students develop deeper familiarity with the shape and layout of the countries or states represented on the map. Map-shaped puzzles are available for purchase from retailers of educational materials or, if you have enough skill, you can create your own from a sheet of plywood, balsa, or thick craft foam.
This classic classroom activity gives students a chance to craft small models of a country, state, or geographic feature. Salt dough is made of one part salt, two parts flour, and about one part water, depending on desired consistency. Students can use the dough to mold 3D maps or to form models of peninsulas, isthmuses, deltas, or other geographical features. Salt dough dries on its own if left in open air. Once the models are dry, students can paint them with acrylic or tempera paints.
Maps made of craft foam can help students make the mental transition from topographic maps to 3D landscapes. Provide each student with a simple topographic map to convert into a foam map. Students can trace each contour line onto craft foam, cut the pieces of foam out and glue them together in ascending order to create a 3D model of the area represented on the map. To make tracing the contours easy, bring a separate laminated template of each contour and let the children take turns tracing around the templates.
Paper-mache is another inexpensive material that students or teachers can use to create 3D maps. Create a simple paste by mixing one part flour with one part water. Soak strips of newspaper in the paste and layer them on a frame made of chicken wire, cardboard, or a disposable object like a plastic bottle. Paper-mache is especially good for showing the rough shape of simple geographic features such as volcanoes or flood plains.