Skip to main content

Adel DeSoto Minburn Community School District

DeSoto Students Put Geography Skills Into Action Through Map Debate

Posted Date: 09/23/26 (10:05 AM)
View Original Post


A student in a red hoodie stands at the front of a classroom, presenting to a group of attentive students.
DeSoto Intermediate 6th grade students recently put their geography skills to work through a classroom debate focused on world map projections. The activity came at a perfect time as students are currently studying geography and learning about maps and how they represent our world.

A group of students sit in a circle on the carpet of a classroom, reading papers with pencils.

Students researched and prepared arguments comparing the Mercator projection, which has been used for centuries, with the Equal Earth projection. Rather than determining which map was “better,” the goal was for students to find evidence to support their position, communicate their ideas clearly, listen to opposing viewpoints, and participate in a fair and respectful debate.

A group of students sit in a circle on a classroom floor, participating in a group activity.
Students embraced the challenge and enjoyed the opportunity to apply what they have been learning in a fun and engaging way!