THE SIS PEAK – A TASTE OF TOK

We are very proud of our SIS PEAK advantage.  

Our JC program is carefully crafted to inspire students with the desire to change the world, and help them build the skills to make those changes happen. 

This week Ms Jen gave our Sec 4 students a taste of the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course. It was incredibly exciting to work with our Sec 4’s as we explored the core of the IB Diploma Program.

In TOK we ask interesting questions, and challenge our understanding of the world. During the sessions we looked at map projections, and which one is “right”.
We looked at map projections of the past. The one below was used by Columbus to persuade the King and Queen of Spain to fund his expedition to China. The map shows that the trip from Spain to China to surely a quick one!

Clearly that map projection was not “right”. Columbus sailed straight into the Americas – not to China as indicated on the map.
So it seems obvious that map projections we have used in the past are not “right” but what about map projections today?
Many atlases uses the Mercator projection below. You may have seen it before. This is the map projection most likely to be used by schools, Universities and Government Institutions. 

Is this map projection “right”?  Well, yes and no!
It is definitely “right” in terms of direction – but absolutely not “right” in terms of land size. From the Mercator projection, Greenland looks bigger than Australia!
As we can see from the diagram below – to create the Mercator projection, the poles must be stretched out to create a flat 2D map. The very process of creating a Mercator projection – distorts it.

So, is the Mercator projection “right”? The TOK student will say “It depends” – if accuracy in direction is what matters then this is a great map, and is definitely “right”, however, if you wish to compare the size of landmasses between one country and another, it is not.

At SIS-PIK we provide a pathway for all students to reach Greater Heights. From N1 to JC2, our students are nurtured to develop academic excellence, leadership and a culture of kindness and care. As your child moves through SIS-PIK towards Greater Heights and the SIS-PEAK, they will grow and develop to be the best they can be. 

Get on the pathway for a holistic education taking your child from Preschool to University entrance.