Middle School Geography
Map Projections
Learn why every map lies to you! Discover how cartographers flatten the 3D Earth onto 2D paper, and how to choose the right map for the job.
The Orange Peel Problem
Imagine trying to peel an orange and lay the skin perfectly flat on a table. It's impossible without tearing or stretching it! The Earth is a 3D sphere, but maps are 2D flat surfaces. Map projections are the mathematical ways we try to flatten the Earth.