Giant map allows Lincolnshire students to walk across Europe

Half Day Elementary School students walked across Europe on Tuesday without leaving Lincolnshire.

Third- and fourth-graders explored the National Geographic Giant Traveling Map of Europe after it arrived at the school this week.

It is the world's largest map of the continent measuring 26 feet by 26 feet and illustrating countries, capitals and physical features.

"At the beginning of the year, we studied land forms and waterways around the world and talked about latitude and longitude as a map skill," fourth grade social studies teacher Chris Hoover explained. "The European map gives them an opportunity to look at one continent and apply what they studied earlier in the year. This is such a cool experience for the kids."

The project was made possible by the District 103 Parent Teacher Organization Cultural Arts program.

"It is a lot of fun to learn about the countries and you get to see them up close. On the big map, you can walk on it and you can literally walk in a sea or on a continent," fourth-grader Ian Rosland said as he explored the map with classmates during a scavenger hunt.