Treasure map

Made by a student of 11 years old

You need:

1. white drawing sheet A4 size
2. strong brewed tea
3. wide, flat brush
4. colour pencils
5. candle

Drawing a treasure map is always exciting! A treasure map is a map that leads to a treasure or secret place. Little drawings tell you what you say on your way, and the road is often indicated by a dotted line. Treasure maps look often crumpled or discoloured, as if they have been well hidden. Students know treasure maps from books and comics. If not, show them some treasure maps on the digital board.

To make the treasure map look old and yellowed, the drawing sheet has to be painted with strong brewed tea. Do this at an earlier time so that the sheets have dried well before the drawing starts.

If the sheet is dry, a map that will lead the seeker to the treasure has to be drawn. Students have to make clarifying little drawings on the map and then colour everything with colour pencils. The treasure map has to contain a compass rose.

A job that is too dangerous for the children themselves to do, but that gives a nice weathered appearance: burning away the edges. Do this, being a teacher, yourself!

To give the treasure map something extra, students can create their own cryptography. This cryptography has to be rolled up and pasted on the map.

Also nice: seal the treasure map using drops candlewax. Press a coin in it, just before the fat has solidified!