Welcome everyone. Introduce today’s focus: mapping our local community to uncover assets and challenges. Explain this slide deck will guide us step-by-step over two class periods.

Read each learning objective aloud, and ask students to nod or raise hands when they hear one they’re excited about. Emphasize real-world relevance.

Prompt a quick class brainstorm: Why map our community? What benefits arise when we visualize local strengths and areas for growth? Jot down ideas on chart paper.

Define “assets” and “challenges.” Ask for a few student examples of each from their own neighborhood. Record responses to refer back to during map creation.

Display a printed or projected sample map. Walk through its legend, symbols, labels, and annotations. Highlight how assets and challenges are visually distinguished.

Turn to the blank [Community Map Template](#community-map-template). Explain each component: legend area, map grid, annotation section, and title block. Encourage students to ask clarifying questions.

Introduce the [Local Demographics Data Sheet](#local-demographics-data-sheet). Model reading one data point and translating it into an asset or challenge. Remind students to look for patterns.

Outline the workflow for the project. Encourage groups to designate roles (e.g., data analyst, drafter, artist) to ensure teamwork and equitable contribution.

Explain the gallery walk process: students circulate silently, leave sticky-note comments on clarity, use of data, and suggestions for next steps. Model one sample comment.

Read each question and pause for students to reflect or jot notes. Encourage honest feedback and connections to their own experiences.

Encourage students to save their maps for display in the school or share with local stakeholders. Mention available resources for extending this work.