Thoughts from the Back of a Motorcycle

Week 4: Mapping

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On a whim, Mike took me on 100 mile long motorcycle ride up to Wausau and back.  After we got back, Mike helped me map out the long route we took and embed the map on my blog (as I am not the most technologically-literate person in the world).   I've made a short list of some of the natural areas and other interesting places that we passed on our ride:

Wisconsin River/Wisconsin River Flowage
DuBay Park/Lake DuBay
Wisconsin River
Mosinee Dam
Nine Mile Recreation Area
Wausau School Forest
Doepke Recreation Area
Rookery Park
Marathon County Fairgrounds
Pike Lake
Wadley Lake

I know that some people wouldn't think that a motorcycle ride belongs on a nature journal.  However, I would beg to differ.  Even though you see the same sights while riding in a car or a truck, I always feel so much closer to nature while on a motorcycle.  There's just something about being able to feel the wind move past you, that feeling of almost-flight, that makes you feel connected to your surroundings.  Also, I know that personally when I am riding in any other vehicle, I will sit and play games on my phone and not pay too much attention to my surroundings.  Motorcycles take those distractions away and force you to pay more attention to what's going on outside. I absolutely loved the route we went on and hopefully will get to go on another ride soon before winter starts to set in.

I believe that it is important for students to observe what is going on around them.  Having students make maps is a good way for students to practice this skill. When I plan my lessons, I will include tasks such as making maps in order for students to demonstrate their observance, as well as spatial skills and success in other academic areas. Mapping is truly an activity that crosses subjects and would be highly beneficial to my students.