Why a globe shows more in class than any map
Every flat world map distorts – Greenland appears as large as Africa, although it is fourteen times smaller. A globe is the only medium that represents sizes, distances and angles correctly at the same time. For geography lessons that is not a detail but the actual subject matter.
Which design generally suits which place is covered in our decision guide; for a child's room there is the children's globe guide. This article is about use in the classroom.
What can be explained on a globe
- Day and night – the earth's rotation and time zones become immediately vivid on an illuminated globe
- The seasons – axial tilt and the position of the sun can be shown instead of described
- Distances – the shortest flight route does not run the way a wall map suggests
- Map distortion – comparing globe and wall map is worth a lesson in itself
- Relief – relief globes make mountain ranges tangible, which helps younger children in particular
Which version for a school?
Size: for demonstrating in front of a class the diameter should be at least 30 cm, preferably more – a 20 cm globe is no longer legible from the back row.
Robustness: in everyday school use, things get handled. A sturdy base and a full meridian survive that better than delicate constructions.
Illuminated globe: particularly worthwhile in class, because it offers two map images in one device – political and physical.
Labelling: pay attention to the language of the labelling if you want to use the globe in bilingual teaching.
For schools, libraries and institutions
Are you equipping several classrooms or procuring through a school authority? Write to us with the quantity, the size and the version you want – we will prepare a quotation and tell you bindingly what can be delivered by when. Since globes depend on the cartographers' print runs, an early enquiry before the start of the school year makes sense.
Frequently asked questions
How up to date is the map?
The state of the map depends on the particular print run. If currency is decisive for you, ask us before ordering – we will tell you the state of the specific model.
What is a duo or dual-image globe?
An illuminated globe that shows the political map when unlit and the physical map when lit. For teaching that is particularly practical, because both map types can be compared directly.
Are spare parts available?
For the base, meridian and lighting that is possible depending on the model. Tell us the model and the part and we will check.
