StoryMap JS

Continuing with the cartography as writing theme from the previous Persuasive Cartography post, today here’s a tool for using maps to create a narrative journey through a historical event, movement, or even a fictional story.

StoryMap JS allows students to create their own narrative story line through cartography where they are able to chart a path anywhere in the world using real places, from a very broad jump between nations down to actual street addresses.

Have students use this tool to show understanding of the sequencing of events through history (i.e. the Lewis and Clark Expedition), to better visualize a work of fiction (for example, locations in On the Road), or even to create their own original work.  StoryMap allows students to imbed content from YouTube, Wikipedia, GoogleMaps, SoundCloud, or even original images to tell their story.  This can also be used as a stand alone alternative for collating resources on a topic with the added benefit of allowing readers to view the map and journey taken at the same time.

There are wonderful tips and tricks for helping keep maps stories simple yet informative, and the creation interface is very simple and intuitive as well, making this a great alternative assessment for students as they don’t need to fully learn the tool before applying the content.

StoryMap Editor

Potential use in the classroom:  As an alternative to reading, collation of resources, or an alternative student assessment.

Recommended grade levels:  7-12 for creation, but any grade K-12 for simple visual learning.