Children will explore geography in a very hands-on — or, rather feet on — way, as the Giant Map of Asia comes to Kennesaw State University next month.

Produced by the National Geographic Society and measuring a massive 41 feet by 31 feet, the Giant Map of Asia has brightly-colored, smooth vinyl surfaces that accurately illustrate and label countries, as well as bodies of water, mountains and cities. Recommended for students from kindergarten through sixth grade, they will be able to walk across the Asian continent and engage in safaris, scavenger hunts and competitive games.

Along the way, they gain knowledge of country locations, capital cities, population centers, geo-physical characteristics, as well as important historical, wildlife and cultural information of the world’s largest continent. A set of ready-to-use activities accompany the map, including atlases, books, videos, music and game materials.

“Teachers nationally have found the Giant Map of Asia a tremendous learning tool to help schoolchildren learn their geography,” said Garrett Smith, chair of KSU’s Department of Geography and Anthropology. Smith said the map, on loan to KSU from the National Geographic Society in Washington, is available for classroom tours from Feb. 1-18. The exhibit will be at KSU’s Social Sciences Building.

Teachers are urged to register for the interactive map tour with Charlette Corey via e-mail: ccorey@kennesaw.edu.