Historical and Geographic Skills SOL WH 1.1

Collection of Information Before history was written down, only physical evidence could be collected through burial grounds and ruins of old settlements. Physical evidence, called artifacts, are collected by archeologists.

Collection of Information These artifacts can be dated using a process called carbon dating. Once prehistory ends, both written and physical sources can be collected and studied. (prehistory is the time period before things were written down)

Primary vs. Secondary sources Primary sources: these are documents written during the time being studied; for example: birth certificates, land deeds, texts of speeches, letters, military orders, diaries

Primary vs. Secondary sources Secondary sources: these are documents written after the time being studied; for example: historians own writings and textbooks

Using Sources Historians study the primary sources and artifacts to interpret what happened during that time period. They can use pottery, sculptures, weapons and buildings to infer what life was like during the time period they are studying.

Using Maps, Globes, Artifacts and Pictures Maps show geographic information used to explain and show locations. All maps have distortion, which occurs when a globe (3D) is flattened into a map (2D). Landmasses and water can become bigger or smaller than they really are. Projection is a way of recording the round earth on to a flat piece of paper.

Mercator Map Used for ship navigation because it shows true direction and shape. Landmasses at high latitudes are shown larger in size than they really are. Landmasses in lower latitudes may appear smaller than they really are. Used for ship navigation because it shows true direction and shape. Landmasses at high latitudes are shown larger in size than they really are. Landmasses in lower latitudes may appear smaller than they really are.

Robinson Map Used for data representation. Shows the correct size of landmasses in relation to other landmasses. Distorts both shape and direction. Used for data representation. Shows the correct size of landmasses in relation to other landmasses. Distorts both shape and direction.

Parts of a Map

Legend Also called a map key. A guide to the symbols used on a map.

Compass Rose Helps you find directions on a map. Displays the compass directions - north, south, east and west. Also helps you to determine the orientation of a map. (Which way is north, south, east and west.)

RunsMeasures Also known as RangeMain Line Latitude East and West Distance North and South of the Equator Parallels 90 degrees North (North Pole) to 90 degrees South (South Pole) Equator - (Northern and Southern Hemispheres ) Longitude North and South Distance east and west of the Prime Meridian Meridians 180 degrees west to 180 degrees east Prime Meridian (Eastern and Western Hemispheres )

Four Main Types of Maps

Political Maps Shows boundaries of countries, states, counties, etc. and some other human-made features such as cities and towns.

Physical Maps Shows the surface features of the land and bodies of water usually with elevation data and water depth.

Thematic Maps A map that shows a specific type of information, such as the distribution of world religions, the location of natural resources, or other data about the earth.

Historical Map These show change over time. Tools located on historical maps are called crosshatching and shading, they are used to identify civilizations, areas of conflict, and movement. These show change over time. Tools located on historical maps are called crosshatching and shading, they are used to identify civilizations, areas of conflict, and movement.

Maps help historians visualize where people lived and traveled. Some geographic landmarks like deserts, mountains, rivers and oceans help to explain why people lived in certain areas. Most major civilizations are found near water because there is more access to food and travel/trade routes.