Hexagons and McDonalds: What's the connection?

I use this lesson in my AP Human Geography class to teach about threshold and range in Walter Christaller's Central Place Theory. I have students examine the distribution of Starbucks and Walmart around our area (this example shows McDonalds). We use Apple Maps to search for their respective business and zoom out until they have between 4-8 locations displayed on their map. Students then take a screen shot of their map and import into Keynote and insert hexagons over the map. (with no fill) Students size them to demonstrate Christallers concept of variable range for different business's thresholds.  

Central Place Theory Example

This provided a real world example of a Human Geography theory that is sometimes difficult for students to conceptualize. They wrestled with the correct sizing of the hexagons and correct placement. Ultimately, they had a ha moments when they moved from theoretical understanding to conceptual understanding of this theory.

#d214 #centralplacetheory #humangeo #ap