Lesson Plan
Community Impact Mapping Plan
Students will identify and map local community assets and challenges, then collaboratively design a visual representation that highlights civic strengths and areas for growth.
This lesson deepens place-based learning by linking geography, data analysis, and civic engagement. It empowers students to critically evaluate their community and propose informed improvements.
Audience
Grades 6-8 (Middle School Students)
Time
2 class periods (45–60 min each)
Approach
Guided exploration, collaborative planning, hands-on mapping.
Materials
Large Poster Paper, Colored Markers and Pencils, Community Impact Mapping Slide Deck, Community Map Template, Local Demographics Data Sheet, Computers or Tablets with Internet Access, and Projector
Prep
Material Preparation
30 minutes
- Print copies of Community Map Template for each student group
- Distribute Local Demographics Data Sheet copies
- Queue the Community Impact Mapping Slide Deck in your presentation software
- Gather poster paper, markers, and pencils
- Review the lesson plan to anticipate student questions
Step 1
Introduction & Objective
10 minutes
- Project the first slides of the Community Impact Mapping Slide Deck.
- Read the lesson objective aloud.
- Facilitate a quick brainstorm: What is an asset? What is a challenge?
- Note responses on chart paper.
Step 2
Map Elements Tutorial
15 minutes
- Display a completed sample map from the slide deck.
- Explain key map components: legend, symbols for assets (e.g., parks, libraries) and challenges (e.g., traffic, lack of resources).
- Introduce the Community Map Template and walk through its sections.
Step 3
Data Exploration
20 minutes
- Divide students into pairs.
- Distribute the Local Demographics Data Sheet.
- In pairs, identify at least three community assets and three challenges using the data.
- Ask pairs to record their findings on scratch paper.
Step 4
Planning the Map
15 minutes
- Form small groups (3–4 students).
- Each group reviews pair findings and selects the most impactful assets/challenges.
- On scratch paper, sketch a draft map layout, deciding symbol placement and legend design.
- Circulate to offer feedback and ensure clarity.
Step 5
Final Map Creation
45 minutes
- Provide each group with poster paper and markers.
- Transfer the sketch into a full-color map, labeling assets and challenges.
- Use the legend area from the Community Map Template.
- Encourage teamwork and equitable contribution.
Step 6
Gallery Walk & Reflection
20 minutes
- Display all group maps around the room.
- Conduct a silent gallery walk: students leave sticky-note feedback focusing on clarity and civic insights.
- Reconvene for a debrief: What did you learn? How can these insights guide community actions?
Step 7
Assessment & Differentiation
10 minutes
- Use a rubric to assess accuracy of data representation, clarity of symbols/legend, and depth of reflection.
- Differentiation:
- Provide simplified templates or pre-labeled areas for learners needing support.
- Challenge advanced students to include a brief action plan addressing a key challenge.
- Collect maps and reflections as formative assessment.
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Slide Deck
Community Impact Mapping
Engage students in understanding their environment by creating maps that highlight community assets and challenges.
This activity fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and civic engagement.
Welcome everyone. Introduce today’s focus: mapping our local community to uncover assets and challenges. Explain this slide deck will guide us step-by-step over two class periods.
Learning Objectives
• Identify local community assets and challenges
• Collaboratively design a visual map representation
• Analyze data to support findings
• Promote civic awareness and action
Read each learning objective aloud, and ask students to nod or raise hands when they hear one they’re excited about. Emphasize real-world relevance.
Why Map Our Community?
• Visualize where resources exist and where gaps remain
• Connect data analysis with real-world geography
• Empower students to propose community improvements
Prompt a quick class brainstorm: Why map our community? What benefits arise when we visualize local strengths and areas for growth? Jot down ideas on chart paper.
What Are Assets and Challenges?
Assets: Positive features or resources (e.g., parks, libraries, community centers)
Challenges: Areas needing improvement or obstacles (e.g., traffic congestion, limited green space)
Define “assets” and “challenges.” Ask for a few student examples of each from their own neighborhood. Record responses to refer back to during map creation.
Sample Community Map
Observe this example map:
• Legend shows symbols for parks, schools, public transit, and traffic hot spots
• Color-coding distinguishes assets vs. challenges
• Annotations explain data sources and key insights
Display a printed or projected sample map. Walk through its legend, symbols, labels, and annotations. Highlight how assets and challenges are visually distinguished.
Map Components Tutorial
• Legend: Define symbols for assets & challenges
• Map Area: Plot locations accurately
• Annotations: Note data sources and observations
• Title & Scale: Label and orient the map
Turn to the blank Community Map Template. Explain each component: legend area, map grid, annotation section, and title block. Encourage students to ask clarifying questions.
Interpreting Community Data
- Review population density, income levels, facility locations
- Identify at least three assets and three challenges
- Record observations with supporting data references
Introduce the Local Demographics Data Sheet. Model reading one data point and translating it into an asset or challenge. Remind students to look for patterns.
Project Steps
- Pair Data Exploration (20 min)
- Group Planning & Sketch (15 min)
- Final Map Creation (45 min)
- Gallery Walk & Reflection (20 min)
Outline the workflow for the project. Encourage groups to designate roles (e.g., data analyst, drafter, artist) to ensure teamwork and equitable contribution.
Gallery Walk Guidelines
• Walk quietly; observe each map
• Leave feedback on sticky notes:
– Is the legend clear?
– Are assets and challenges accurately placed?
– What civic insights stand out?
Explain the gallery walk process: students circulate silently, leave sticky-note comments on clarity, use of data, and suggestions for next steps. Model one sample comment.
Reflection Questions
• What surprised you about your community?
• How can mapping inform local improvements?
• What action would you propose based on your map?
Read each question and pause for students to reflect or jot notes. Encourage honest feedback and connections to their own experiences.
Next Steps & Resources
• Display maps at a community forum or school showcase
• Use Community Map Template for future projects
• Analyze additional data sets for deeper insights
Encourage students to save their maps for display in the school or share with local stakeholders. Mention available resources for extending this work.
Project Guide
Community Impact Mapping Project Guide
Overview
Students will work in teams to research, design, and present a detailed map of their local community, highlighting key assets and challenges. This project emphasizes civic awareness, data analysis, and collaborative design.
Project Objectives:
- Identify and analyze community assets (e.g., parks, libraries) and challenges (e.g., traffic congestion, food deserts)
- Develop teamwork and project-management skills through defined roles
- Create a visually compelling map with clear legend and annotations
- Reflect on civic implications and propose actionable recommendations
Team Roles & Responsibilities
Assign each team member a primary role; members may collaborate across roles.
-
Project Manager
- Coordinate team meetings and set deadlines
- Track progress on tasks and communicate updates
- Ensure equitable participation and resolve conflicts
-
Data Analyst
- Examine the Local Demographics Data Sheet
- Identify at least 5 assets and 5 challenges with supporting data
- Prepare a summary report of findings for the group
-
Cartographer (Map Designer)
- Draft the map layout using the Community Map Template
- Choose appropriate symbols, colors, and scale
- Keep the legend clear and consistent
-
Graphic Artist & Writer
- Create final map visuals on poster paper or digital medium
- Write annotations, titles, and data-source notes
- Ensure readability and aesthetic appeal
-
Presenter & Reflector
- Prepare the oral presentation and speaking points
- Lead the Gallery Walk debrief and record peer feedback
- Draft the team’s reflection and action-plan proposal
Project Timeline & Phases
| Phase | Activities | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1: Research | Data exploration, asset/challenge selection | 1 class period |
| Phase 2: Planning | Team meeting, map sketch, role assignment | 1 class period |
| Phase 3: Creation | Final map design and annotations | 2 class periods |
| Phase 4: Review | Gallery Walk, peer feedback, reflection drafting | 1 class period |
| Phase 5: Presentation & Submission | Team presentations and deliverable submission | 1 class period |
Deliverables
- Final Community Map: Full-color poster or digital file with legend, annotations, title, and scale
- Data Summary Report: 1–2 page document highlighting chosen assets/challenges with data citations
- Reflection & Action Plan: Written response (300–400 words) answering:
- What was your biggest insight?
- How can community members use your map to drive change?
- Propose one concrete action step addressing a key challenge
- Oral Presentation: 3–5 minute team presentation summarizing process, findings, and recommendations
Assessment Rubric
| Criteria | Excellent (4) | Satisfactory (3) | Needs Improvement (2) | Beginning (1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Accuracy & Depth | Identifies 5+ well-supported assets/challenges with clear data | Identifies 3–4 assets/challenges with adequate data | Identifies 2 assets/challenges; some data unclear | Fewer than 2 assets/challenges; data missing |
| Map Clarity & Design | Professional layout; legend & symbols are intuitive | Clear layout; legend and symbols mostly consistent | Layout confusing; legend or symbols missing/inaccurate | Poorly organized; key map elements absent |
| Collaboration & Roles | Roles clearly assigned; equitable participation documented | Roles assigned; participation mostly equitable | Roles unclear; uneven participation | No clear roles; minimal collaboration |
| Reflection & Action Plan | Insightful reflection; action plan is realistic and impactful | Reflection addresses key points; action plan plausible | Reflection superficial; action plan vague | Reflection missing or off-topic |
| Presentation Skills | Engaging delivery; clear visuals; team members share equally | Clear delivery; minor pauses; most members present | Monotone or rushed; only one member presents | No coherent presentation; minimal team involvement |
Extension Ideas
- Community Forum Display: Host a gallery event inviting local officials and neighbors to view maps and provide feedback.
- Digital Mapping: Recreate maps using GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS Online, QGIS) for interactive exploration.
- Thematic Deep Dive: Focus on one challenge (e.g., food access) and partner with local organizations to design a mini-intervention.
- Comparative Study: Map a second community (e.g., neighboring town) and compare assets and challenges side-by-side.
Resources
- Community Impact Mapping Plan
- Community Impact Mapping Slides
- Community Map Template
- Local Demographics Data Sheet
Good luck, and enjoy uncovering the story of your community through mapping!
Worksheet
Community Map Template
Title & Scale
Title: _________________________________
Scale: _________________________________
Map Area
(Use the space below to draw your community map, plotting assets and challenges accurately.)
Legend
Assets
- Symbol: ________ Description: ______________________________
- Symbol: ________ Description: ______________________________
- Symbol: ________ Description: ______________________________
Challenges
- Symbol: ________ Description: ______________________________
- Symbol: ________ Description: ______________________________
- Symbol: ________ Description: ______________________________
Annotations & Notes
Data Sources:
Key Observations:
Worksheet
Local Demographics Data Sheet
Use the tables below to explore key community data. Refer back to this sheet when identifying assets and challenges in your neighborhood.
1. Population by Neighborhood
| Neighborhood | Population | Median Age | Population Density (per sq km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central | 12,450 | 34 | 4,500 |
| Riverside | 8,300 | 29 | 3,200 |
| Oakwood | 5,800 | 42 | 1,800 |
| Eastside | 7,200 | 31 | 2,900 |
| Hillcrest | 4,600 | 37 | 1,200 |
2. Economic Indicators
| Indicator | Citywide | Central | Riverside | Oakwood | Eastside | Hillcrest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $55,000 | $48,000 | $60,000 | $52,000 | $50,000 | $58,000 |
| Poverty Rate (%) | 12.5% | 15.0% | 10.0% | 8.0% | 13.0% | 9.5% |
| Unemployment Rate (%) | 6.2% | 7.5% | 5.0% | 4.2% | 6.8% | 5.5% |
3. Community Facilities (Number by Type)
| Facility Type | Citywide | Central | Riverside | Oakwood | Eastside | Hillcrest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parks | 25 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 3 |
| Public Libraries | 8 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Schools (K-12) | 15 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Health Clinics | 6 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Grocery Stores | 20 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 2 |
| Transit Stops | 60 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 10 | 5 |
4. Land Use Distribution
| Land Use Type | Percentage of Total Area |
|---|---|
| Residential | 50% |
| Commercial | 20% |
| Industrial | 10% |
| Green/Open Space | 15% |
| Other (roads, etc) | 5% |
5. Notes for Analysis
Use the space below to record observations. Identify at least three community assets and three challenges based on the data above.
Assets:
Challenges:
Data Sources
- City Planning Department Report (2022)
- U.S. Census Bureau (2021)
Rubric
Community Mapping Rubric
Use this rubric to assess student teams on their community map projects. Scores range from 4 (Excellent) to 1 (Beginning).
| Criteria | 4 – Excellent | 3 – Satisfactory | 2 – Needs Improvement | 1 – Beginning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Accuracy & Depth | Identifies 5+ well-supported assets/challenges; cites data clearly | Identifies 3–4 assets/challenges with adequate data support | Identifies 2 assets/challenges; some data unclear | Fewer than 2 assets/challenges; data missing |
| Map Clarity & Design | Professional, well-organized layout; legend & symbols intuitive | Clear layout; legend and symbols mostly consistent | Layout confusing; legend or symbols missing/inaccurate | Poorly organized; key map elements absent |
| Collaboration & Roles | Roles clearly assigned; equitable participation documented | Roles assigned; participation mostly equitable | Roles unclear; uneven participation | No clear roles; minimal collaboration |
| Reflection & Action Plan | Insightful reflection; action plan realistic and impactful | Reflection addresses key points; action plan plausible | Reflection superficial; action plan vague | Reflection missing or off-topic |
| Presentation Skills | Engaging delivery; clear visuals; all members share equally | Clear delivery; minor pauses; most members present | Monotone or rushed; only one member presents | No coherent presentation; minimal team involvement |