In this lesson, you will learn how to map a specific location. Open the Google Maps website in your browser or a phone app and search for your city or town. Zoom in till specific places in your area are visible. Find places that are important to young people, places that young people like to visit, and where they hang out. If you have the map open on a computer, make a print screen to place your marks on the map. The app allows you to add pins and labels with a description. Mark the places that you perceive as positive and negative. Think about your feelings and emotions about specific places. Use green to mark places associated with positive feelings and red with negative feelings
This part of the exercise shows your thinking as a reflection of the map you have created. You can share the map with your friends if you’d like. You can even post it on social media. That can be an opportunity to compare your observations and start a meaningful discussion. What other places would your peers mark? Think about the characteristics that influence the different perceptions of the environment. Can mapping be a tool used in the work of Youth Council representatives?
In the role of a Youth Council member, you should enquire other local community members and other young people about their perceptions of different local issues. You should be open to their different views and experiences.
