Montréal, Maps in Hand

In Montréal, Maps in Hand, students examine maps to learn about Montréal and its history. That’s right: paper maps—the kind that people used before Google Maps! This activity allows students to manipulate several types of maps, all of which contain information about the city’s territory and its history. If students look closely, they can even gain insight into the daily life of Montrealers of the past.

The activity Montréal, Maps in Hand takes place at the MEM in three stages:

1. A sensory game involving historical maps. Students examine the city’s territory at the time the maps were drawn. They also deduce information about its smells and sounds, as well as its inhabitants and their trajectories and activities.
2. A discovery workshop about maps. Today, Google Maps lets us see a city at street level, zoom out to situate it in the world, search it for streets or businesses, and view its terrain. In the past, people needed a different map for every purpose. This activity is an opportunity to understand the relationship between the maps of yesterday and today.
3. A tour of the exhibition, using a map. Students learn to use this tool while gaining a deeper understanding of Montréal and its history.

All of these activities are tailored to the students’ level and their Social Sciences program.

Objective

• Use maps to learn about Montréal and its history.
• Become familiar with maps and learn to read and use them.

Links to the Québec Education Program (QEP)

Elementary Cycle 2

Cross-Curricular Competencies

• Use information
• Cooperate with others

Geography, History and Citizenship Education

Competencies

• Understand the organization of a society in its territory
• Interpret change in a society and its territory

Progression of learning

• French society in New France around 1645
• Canadian society in New France around 1745
• Techniques specific to geography and history

The MEM is listed in the Répertoire Culture-Éducation. The activity Montréal, Maps in Hand, is eligible for financial support through the Field Trips to Cultural Venues program.