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Have you ever read the book Me on the Map by Joan Sweeny? Â It’s a favorite of mine. Â To go along with that book, I want to share a fun geography nesting cans project. Â You will LOVE these! They are the perfect way to help kids begin to grasp geography concepts.
I started a series of posts recently called Geography Projects from A to Z that goes along with the book Geography from A to Z by Jack Knowlton.  So far we have done Atoll & Archipelago as well as Beach & Bay. Check them out- they were really fun projects.

How to Make Me On the Map Nesting Cans
This month we decided to do a geography project that is a little different but I still thought it went along well with the series.  It was a blast and the kids really enjoyed it. We made Geography Nesting Cans based on the book Me on the Map by Joan Sweeny. If you haven’t seen this book, or the others in the series, I highly recommend looking into them! They are so much fun & teach a lot in a fun way.
Geography Nesting Cans with Me on the Map


The largest can we used was a formula can and showed our earth. Then we used cans that got smaller in diameter and fit inside of one another. Finally they drew a map of their room and put it inside the can of their house.


SortingSprinkles says
I like the idea. Very hands on way of presenting such a concept to a young crowd.
Michelle says
So cute! I don’t think I have ever seen this used with cans before!
Lynn Nash says
This is a great idea! I am forever trying to explain to my youngest son that France is not in our state of PA! This will do the trick. Thanks for sharing at Creative Learning.
Gwen T says
That can idea is a really good one – it would help one of mine who thinks it’s confusing that we live in Texas and also the USA! I love making geography real to my kids. I got good grades in school, but some things like geography never sunk in until I started homeschooling! 🙂
Michelle says
What a clever idea! I wish we hadn’t already done the traditional paper version of this craft this year so we could do this one! Great idea to use Google Maps, too!
Shaunna Evans says
I love how concrete this is for little learners! This was such a hard concept to teach students in the classroom, but this activity would have been very helpful.
Ticia says
I love this book, and I love the hands on aspect of this. I’ve always taught this using a layered book for them to make, but I like the stacking cans.
Lori says
I love the idea! I think this is something we will definitely use. Thanks for sharing it!
~Lori
Mia says
What great ideas to explore geography!
JDaniel4's Mom says
Your nesting cans are an amazing idea! I need to make a set for JDaniel. I will be sharing this post on Facebook and Pinterest.
Caroline says
Great idea! I’ve seen this kind of idea before, but not with cans. Thanks for sharing!
Jackie Higgins says
I love your cans! They are so cheerful but teach the lesson so well… Oh, and I love Me on the Map. Great book!
Savannah McQueen says
What a great idea. My daughter has a hard time grasping concepts like the relation of her town to the country and continent. I will try this approach. I hope you’ll consider sharing this on Look What We Did.
-Savannah http://hammocktracks.com/buttons/
Beth Gorden says
Love the nesting cans to teach geography – so clever!
Thanks for linking up to TGIF! Hope to see you linked up again later today! Have a great weekend,
Beth =-)
Carrie says
What a wonderful idea for this book!! I love using the cans. So clever. Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!
Anna says
Wow, this is such a genius way to teach basic geography. Definitely pinning this for the future! Just have to start saving those cans!
Erin says
This is such a creative hands-on way to approach basic geography. Love it!
Mr. Giso says
This idea is pretty cool and great for the Earth!
I featured it on my blog post today.
Thanks for the inspiration.
Mr. Giso’s Room to Read
Michelle says
This is great! May I ask where you found the perfect size printable maps?