Blind Globe and Map Studies in World Geography
Blind and Sighted Views of Globes and Flat Maps, A New Approach
Aug 16, 2009
It was that substitute teacher again. The students were excited. They knew ST was different. ST talked some, but asked lots of questions. And, those questions, somehow brought surprising, interesting responses. It would be another such day.
Raised Relief Globes and Flat Maps, A Blind and Sighted View
The teacher moved 5 relief globes from the cart to the the desktop. Five large, flat world maps were already taped on the walls.
"Good Day Class. It is geography time again, and the first question is how many know someone who is blind?" Half the class raised hands. "Can someone tell me how blind people read?" A few hands waved, one student was chosen. " By using their fingers, that's how blind people read!" " Very good, they can read raised letters in what is called 'Braille,' " replied the always-encouraging ST. "Now, can anyone name the famous woman who became blind and deaf early in life, and was taught to both read and sign by Anne Sullivan?" One lonely hand was gently raised and called to answer, "Helen Keller." "Correct, excellent answers by all today. Next, some blind volunteers are needed. "No one budged. Everyone looked around and then at ST, who smiled before them. "No one has to be blind to volunteer, simply be blindfolded, or with eyes closed ." Many laughed or snickered as three "blind" volunteers moved forward, with one actor who walked gingerly with an imaginary cane, an outstretched hand, and squinting youthful eyes.
Geography, Great Globe and Flat Map Places to Go and See, Places to Be Blind and Still Find
Each group was instructed to spend 10 minutes working as a team to find, see and feel each destination listed on distributed study sheets:
- equator, Artic, Antartica
- Greenland, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand
- North America, South America, Africa
- Africa, The Middle East
- Norway, Denmark ,Sweden, Great Britain-Scotland-Wales
- India, China and Russia
- Hawaiian Islands
ST reminded all to:
- remember these geographic places by feel and touch on the relief globe.
- detect the mountains characteristic of those places and the shape of the continents or places.
- look at, and feel, the shapes.
- learn distance relationships of places. Occasionally become blind and imagine where they are relative to each other.
One student remarked, "That's hard!" and another added, "It's better to see the globe or map all the time." The teacher affirmed the students' feelings, but rejoined, "True, but everyone must remember the geography game rule — each student becomes blind and must find, for 5 minutes."
The lesson was well underway now amid the chatter of 5 different , busy student groups.
Geographic Results and Conclusions of Sighted and Blind Views of Globes and Maps
It was summary-comment time — always relished by teacher and students. Here are some revelational, exciting and prosaic comments of these globetrotter, world map students:
- the equator, Artic, Antartica were always easy to find.
- blind was harder, but places can be found, by feeling and imagining.
- Greenland is big and at the top
- Australia is big and below the equator.
- North America and South America were "easy to see blind" (Love that comment!) .
- Jayanti found India, where her parents are from, and she was blindfolded.
- China and Russia were found, with eyes closed, by our group!
- There was a lot of water all around, so when land was found it felt safe. People like to know where land is. (Indeed!)
Geography is an adventure for anyone with one's eyes open or closed. It is good to see the world from a different perspective — much can be learned that way.
More on globe and flat map geography and globe and map inquiry.
Specialized relief globes and maps for the visually-impaired (and the sighted) are available.
Resources
Davis, K.C. 1992. Don't Know Much About Geography. William Morrow and Company, Inc., New York, N.Y. 384 pp
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