An R&D project designing,
implementing and studying cartography activities for children
aged 4-8. Special technological artefacts were designed and
developed. A custom solution was found for a G.P.S. device so
that it gave a one-meter accuracy. A signal was sent by mobile
onto a computer. Special cartography software was developed
(new version of map component, agent component) for children
observing the G.P.S. carrier's motion synchronously on the
screen. The childrens' activity involved two groups, one
indoors working with the cartography software, one carrying
the G.P.S. around the area to be mapped. To construct the map,
they had to negotiate meanings using walkie-talkies. Academic
research was carried out on the childrens' learning processes
related to concepts of space, orientation and using and
placing symbols of objects on a map. The Lab activities took
place at the Psychico College Primary.
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