Paint and draw

Make a Connection

Create a map to show connections between people or things

The idea

Simon Patterson The Great Bear 1992

Simon Patterson
The Great Bear 1992
© Simon Patterson

Simon Patterson is an artist who is fascinated with information, words and directions. He creates maps like The Great Bear where he put the names of writers, singers, footballers and politicians onto the station stops of a London Underground tube map.

You are going to make one using lines and stations (stops) to show connections between people or things. Your map can look like Simon Patterson's underground map or you might want to invent your own patterns and ways of linking up your stations.

What will you choose to make a map of?

Child with mind map on floor

© Tate

Do it!

  • Decide who or what your map will be about.
  • Cut out your station stops on card or paper.
  • Write the names (or draw pictures if you prefer) for all the different station stops in your map.
  • Working on the floor or a VERY large piece of paper, use string or tape to join your stations together.

Click through the slideshow above to see examples of some maps made by kids.

Top Tips!

Mind map on floor

© Tate

  • Think carefully about who or what your map will be about. It could be a group of people like your friends, the children in your class or club. It could be your family, your teachers or your pets. You might prefer to make a map of creepy crawlies or wild animals, pop stars or TV programmes.
  • You could make a mmap to help someone remember things they need to do. That would probably be a smaller map. You could also make a massive map for fun all around your bedroom.

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