MassachusettsHISTORY EXPLORERS GRADES 3–8
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Quick glossary
evidence
Information from a source that helps us test a claim.
source
A document, object, image, or account we can examine.
inference
An explanation based on clues; it still needs checking.
migration
Moving from one place to another to live.
immigrant
A person who moves to another country to live.
estimate
An approximate amount, based on available information.
oral history
A recorded interview about someone’s memories and experiences.
community
People connected by a place, relationships, or shared activities.
ancestry
Family origins across generations.
primary source
Evidence created by someone who experienced a time or event.

Physical maps

Explore the shape of the land, the paths of rivers, and the habitats around us.

Showing 12 of 17 resources

Official statewide map of major watershed boundaries.
Official statewide map of major watershed boundaries.MassGIS / Commonwealth of Massachusetts Image source ↗
physical

Major watersheds

statewide · 2000s

Trace areas where rainwater flows toward the same river or coast.

A question to investigate

Can a watershed cross a state border?

Dig deeper · grades 6–8

Compare the map’s creator, date, purpose, scale, and missing information with a second map. Explain what changed and what stayed connected.

Explore the official source ↗
Official local sample of MassDEP hydrography, with the original water-feature legend.
Official local sample of MassDEP hydrography, with the original water-feature legend.MassGIS / Commonwealth of Massachusetts Image source ↗
physical

Rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds

statewide · 2000s

Follow waterways through towns and across the state.

A question to investigate

Which river carries water away from your area?

Dig deeper · grades 6–8

Compare the map’s creator, date, purpose, scale, and missing information with a second map. Explain what changed and what stayed connected.

Open the interactive map ↗
Official local sample of USGS 1:24,000 surficial geology, with the original geology legend.
Official local sample of USGS 1:24,000 surficial geology, with the original geology legend.MassGIS / Commonwealth of Massachusetts Image source ↗
physical

Surficial geology — clues left by glaciers

statewide · 2000s

Study the sand, gravel, and other materials near the ground surface.

A question to investigate

Where might moving ice have left different materials?

Dig deeper · grades 6–8

Compare the map’s creator, date, purpose, scale, and missing information with a second map. Explain what changed and what stayed connected.

Open the interactive map ↗
Official statewide lidar-derived digital elevation model and shaded-relief sample.
Official statewide lidar-derived digital elevation model and shaded-relief sample.MassGIS / Commonwealth of Massachusetts Image source ↗
physical

Hills, valleys, and terrain

statewide · 2000s

A shaded relief layer makes high and low land easier to spot.

A question to investigate

How does western Massachusetts look different from Cape Cod?

Dig deeper · grades 6–8

Compare the map’s creator, date, purpose, scale, and missing information with a second map. Explain what changed and what stayed connected.

Open the interactive map ↗
Official statewide coastline map at 1:25,000 source scale.
Official statewide coastline map at 1:25,000 source scale.MassGIS / Commonwealth of Massachusetts Image source ↗
physical

Massachusetts coastline

statewide · 2000s

Examine the edges of the mainland, Cape Cod, and offshore islands.

A question to investigate

Which coast has the most bays and inlets?

Dig deeper · grades 6–8

Compare the map’s creator, date, purpose, scale, and missing information with a second map. Explain what changed and what stayed connected.

Explore the official source ↗
Official paired local wetland map samples with the original wetland legend.
Official paired local wetland map samples with the original wetland legend.MassGIS / Commonwealth of Massachusetts Image source ↗
physical

Wetlands mapped from 2005 imagery

statewide · 2000s

Locate mapped marshes, swamps, and other wetland areas.

A question to investigate

How do wetlands connect land and water?

Dig deeper · grades 6–8

Compare the map’s creator, date, purpose, scale, and missing information with a second map. Explain what changed and what stayed connected.

Open the interactive map ↗
Official BioMap overview sample showing conservation mapping.
Official BioMap overview sample showing conservation mapping.MassGIS / Commonwealth of Massachusetts Image source ↗
physical

BioMap conservation areas

statewide · 2000s

Explore mapped areas important for protecting wildlife and nature.

A question to investigate

How could connected habitats help wildlife move?

Dig deeper · grades 6–8

Compare the map’s creator, date, purpose, scale, and missing information with a second map. Explain what changed and what stayed connected.

Explore the official source ↗
Official local sample distinguishing interior forest from adjacent land and water.
Official local sample distinguishing interior forest from adjacent land and water.MassGIS / Commonwealth of Massachusetts Image source ↗
physical

Interior forests

statewide · 2000s

Look for forest areas away from roads and developed land.

A question to investigate

Why might the middle of a forest differ from its edge?

Dig deeper · grades 6–8

Compare the map’s creator, date, purpose, scale, and missing information with a second map. Explain what changed and what stayed connected.

Explore the official source ↗
Official local sample of protected and recreational open-space mapping.
Official local sample of protected and recreational open-space mapping.MassGIS / Commonwealth of Massachusetts Image source ↗
physical

Protected and recreational open space

statewide · 2000s

Find conservation land, parks, and places for outdoor recreation.

A question to investigate

Are protected lands connected or separated?

Dig deeper · grades 6–8

Compare the map’s creator, date, purpose, scale, and missing information with a second map. Explain what changed and what stayed connected.

Open the interactive map ↗
Official historic coastal topographic sample showing New Bedford and Fairhaven.
Official historic coastal topographic sample showing New Bedford and Fairhaven.MassGIS / U.S. Geological Survey Image source ↗
historical

Historic coastal topographic maps

statewide · 1900s

Explore older coastal maps alongside present-day map layers.

A question to investigate

What has changed along the same shoreline?

Dig deeper · grades 6–8

Compare the map’s creator, date, purpose, scale, and missing information with a second map. Explain what changed and what stayed connected.

Explore the official source ↗
Live map tool

Massachusetts Coastal Erosion Viewer

Compare shoreline positions along the Massachusetts coast.

Where has the shoreline moved, and in which direction?

Open the official map resource ↗
Live map tool

Sea Level Rise and Coastal Flooding Viewer

Explore how different water levels could affect coastal places.

Which low areas connect to the ocean?

Open the official map resource ↗

Sources checked September 23, 2026. Open the source for current programs, hours, access, and map updates. Historical maps may contain outdated language or incomplete representations of Native homelands.

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