National Geographic MAPS: Tools for Adventure October 21, 2010

This extraordinary 4,000-square-foot (372-square-meter) exhibit provides children and families with the exciting opportunity to immerse themselves in the thrilling world of maps. 'National Geographic Maps: Tools for Adventure' engages the entire family by demonstrating the role maps play in daily life and by offering collaborative, hands-on activities that help children and parents map their own adventures. In the exhibit, new explorers begin their adventures at Explorer School, where they are introduced to mapping basics. Families can see historical and contemporary maps of different shapes and sizes and try their hand at using and making maps. They'll also learn how different tools helped explorers like Lewis and Clark map North America. Next, families come across areas featuring today's explorers - on land, at sea, in the air, and in space - and learn about their real-life adventures through maps, artifacts, and interactive experiences.