MarkAndMapFOR SCHOOLS
Open map maker
A world of possibilities. A classroom of explorers.
Turn “Where is that?” into “Look what I found!” Give learners the tools to explore the world, follow their curiosity and create maps they’re proud of.
Free map tools · In your browser · Ready for curious minds
Explore with purposeReal places. Questions that matter.
Build confidence through playTry, discover and try again.
Make learning tangibleSave a map. Print it. Tell its story.
START WITH CURIOSITY
Use these as starting points. Adjust the challenge to your learners, and let their questions lead the way.
Explore a familiar park or landmark together. What can you spot on the map? What changes in satellite view?
“I can describe a place and find it on a map.”
Explore a familiar place ↗Play the Country Game in pairs. Start with one region and Easy, then give each other clues before choosing an answer.
“I can use neighbours and shapes as clues.”
Start a country quest ↗Does a country look bigger because it is bigger? Compare the Equal Earth and Mercator views and test your first impressions.
“I can question how a map presents the world.”
Compare country sizes ↗Choose a question about history, culture or the environment. Use places and evidence to build your own explanation.
“I can use a map to support my own ideas.”
Find a research starting point ↗THE RIGHT MAP FOR THE MOMENT
From a five-minute warm-up to a project across subjects, choose a tool and make it your own.
Add pins and labels to street or satellite maps. Map a story’s setting, plan a field trip or explore your local area.
Geography · Literacy · Local studies 02 / PLAYFind countries on an Equal Earth map. Choose a region and difficulty for a quick starter, paired challenge or end-of-lesson recap.
Geography · Recall · Teamwork 03 / MAKE IT YOURSCreate a world map with labels and markers. Download a PNG for a display, a presentation or a worksheet to annotate.
Geography · Presentations · Creative projects 04 / COMPAREExplore country sizes and compare projections. Ask how a flat map changes our impression of the planet.
Geography · Maths · Critical thinking 05 / INVESTIGATEUse country information to spark a research question. Compare places and follow up with sources for your project.
Research · Geography · Source skills 06 / LOOK BACKLook for changes in names, borders and how places are shown. Discuss when a map was made and whose viewpoint it represents.
History · Geography · DiscussionTake curiosity further: explore Wiki Locations for place-based discoveries and story ideas.
FROM SCREEN TO SCHOOL BAG
A map can be a worksheet, a wall display or the starting point for a great conversation. Give learners something they can keep and build on.
Create a printable world map ↗Use the main map maker for local places, or the Equal Earth World Map for countries. Add useful labels and choose a clear view.
Use the map’s download arrow (⇩) to save an image. Add it to a document or presentation. To return to an editable main map later, use a free account and “Save as new”.
Open the downloaded image and choose Print. Try landscape, fit to page and check the preview. An outline or monochrome world map works well for pupils to colour and annotate.
A FEW THINGS THAT HELP
The map tools and Country Game can be used without an account. A free account is needed to save editable maps on the main map maker. You can also download map images without signing in.
Yes. Project a map and let the class give clues or suggest pins. For an offline activity, prepare and download a map first, then print copies for learners to label, colour or discuss.
Reduce the number of places, use a familiar region or provide a word bank. For a bigger challenge, ask learners to write their own clues, explain a pattern or compare two sources. Age ranges are suggestions, not limits.
Open the tools on your school network and choose the map view in advance. Keep pupil names, home addresses and other personal details off classroom maps. Follow your school’s account and sharing guidance; see the privacy policy for details.
LET CURIOSITY LEAD