“It helps students to visualize the varied geography of North America and how animals interact with their environment,” says Ellen Curtis, education program manager of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society (publisher of Canadian Geographic).

The data that was used to map the routes comes from a variety of sources. In some cases it’s taken directly from radio collars, while some of the more elusive species’ migration route is more of a good approximation.

“The ocean bathymetry is the best we have done on a giant floor map, and it is also the first map that incorporates Spanish place names,” adds Gilles Gagnier, Chief Operating Officer and Publisher of Canadian Geographic.

The giant floor map was produced through a partnership between CG Education and the Canadian Wildlife Federation.

“Too often in the conservation world there’s a belief or a perception that environmental learning is complementary; it’s nice to learn, it’s nice to have. Our contention is: it’s the best learning. Learning in an experiential way is not a nice-to-have-if-you’ve-got-time, it’s the best way kids learn. And this [giant map] is a great fit for that.”

Can Geo Education has a membership of nearly 13,500 from across Canada. Teachers who are members can request to have this map sent for free to their school. Each floor map comes complete with a trunk of props, activity cards and more to further enhance students’ experience, as well as a teacher guide with ten curriculum-linked activities.