Maps are a tool of information. The typical information that we expect from a map are data related to the land and our understanding of the land.

Lordy Rodriguez’s work focuses on the kind of information we expect from maps, using maps as information vehicles to examine cultural identity, social identity, and individual/regional identity.

In this workshop, educators will learn to work with students to take patterns, text, color schemes, and logos (fundamental to the structure of any visual language like maps) from personal sources like family pictures and memories as well as visual references from their own personal interests. Following, digital images of each self-portrait map are digitally combined to form one large “country” where the individual portrait adds to a larger shared portrait mimicking the multiple layers of identities we often have to negotiate with.

Educators will create their own map and receive an accompanying educators guide with relevant TEKS, scaffolding, and information to translate the lesson to their own classroom.

Accessible for teachers across age groups and subject areas with connections to social studies, ecology and the arts.