Restless Earth: our disaster relief mapping workshop
We offer a disaster mapping workshop at your school, based on natural disasters to geography GCSE students in Years 9 and 10. It can also be adapted for younger students.
In this two-hour workshop we can help your students understand the role of humanitarian aid, search and rescue, military and medical aid, and mapping organisations such as MapAction, Shelter Box and the UN in disasters such as the 2011 Japanese earthquake and tsunami.

The Restless Earth workshop consists of the following:
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A short presentation about cartography
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A short video about the background to the events leading up to the disaster
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Students are put into teams of five – coordinator, search and rescue, military, medical and humanitarian
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Students then create two disaster relief maps – one large scale and the other small scale
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Maps are marked and a winner announced at the end of the workshop
In this two-hour workshop we can help your students understand the role of humanitarian aid, search and rescue, military and medical aid, and mapping organisations such as MapAction, Shelter Box and the UN in disasters such as the 2011 Japanese earthquake and tsunami.
Each year, the winning entries are judged by the BCS Awards Council for the Schools Annual Award.
Get in touch to book your workshop or find out more.
Restless Earth and GCSE Geography
All exam boards require a level of cartography. Our Restless Earth workshop has been developed to contribute towards the GCSE Geography Natural Hazards and Geographic Skills modules.
Who runs the workshop?
Jennifer Johnston, our Restless Earth coordinator, is a skilled cartographer with lots of experience working with young people. Supported by volunteers from the Society, Jennifer is fully DBS-checked.
How much does it cost?
Our workshops cost £250 + VAT and include a year’s membership to the British Cartographic Society.
Find out more
If you would like to find out how your students can take part in a Restless Earth workshop, contact Jennifer Johnston at restless.earth@cartography.org.uk
