STEM Sims Logo

Map Coloring

Map Coloring Thumbnail
Imagine that you're in charge of a chemical storage room. Should you store alkanes and ammonium nitrate together? They both start with the letter "A" so finding them would be easier. But wait, they can interact dangerously if placed too close together. Your challenge is to use the principles of map coloring to devise a plan to safely store reactive chemicals. I hope you're ready to have a blast! Or not, hopefully.

Investigator Icon

Planning and Carrying Out Investigations

Timer Icon

Map Coloring Brochure's Thumbnail

Map Coloring Brochure

What is map coloring?

Map coloring is the coloring of a map using a set number of colors in such a way that no two adjacent regions have the same color.

What is an adjacent edge on a map?

An adjacent edge of a region is one that is also an edge of a neighboring region. Two neighboring regions that share an adjacent edge are considered adjacent regions. Two regions that are diagonally across from each other and only share a corner (but not an edge) are not considered adjacent.

What is the difference between a map and a graph?

Maps usually depict geographical areas, but they can also depict things such as the brain or parts of the universe. A graph is a diagram that represents the relationship between one thing and another. While both maps and graphs are visual representations, a map shows the layout of what it is representing, and a graph shows the relationship between the values of two things. Maps can be turned into planar graphs by representing regions as vertices and placing edges between regions that touch each other. For example, in the image below, the map on the left can be turned into the graph on the right.

							
								On the left, a map of six states in the southwestern united states. On the right, the same states represented as nodes connected by lines. Each shows the position of the states relative to each other and which are connected.

What is the Four Color Theorem?

The Four Color Theorem states that only four colors are needed to color any planar map such that no two adjacent regions will have the same color.

What is the chromatic number of a graph?

The chromatic number of a graph is the smallest number of colors needed to color a graph in graph coloring.

What are hazardous chemicals?

Hazardous chemicals are any chemicals that pose a physical or health hazard. Physical hazards include flammable and combustible liquids, explosives, and water reactives.

What is the Hazardous Materials Classification Label?

The Hazardous Materials Classification label provides the degree of fire, chemical reactivity, health, and other dangers posed by a substance.

							
								A hazardous materials classification label

What is a chemical labeling system?

A chemical labeling system is a method for marking chemical containers with instructions on how to handle and store them. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enacted the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) which requires all hazardous chemicals be labeled with information regarding the identities and hazards of the chemicals.

STEM Sims Chemical Labeling System:


							
								A chemical labeling diagram

Here are some definitions to help you in your Grade 3-5 Lesson 1 investigation.

Pattern – a repeating design or idea that can be recognized by the five senses
Adjacent – two or more things next to each other that have a common side
Analyze – to look at something very closely
Task – some work to be done
Complex – something with many different and connecting parts

Here are some definitions to help you in your Grade 3-5 Lesson 2 investigation.

Pattern – a repeating design or idea that can be recognized by the five senses
Adjacent – two or more things next to each other that have a common side
Chemical – a substance always made of the same stuff
Reaction – when two or more chemicals combine
Explosion – a reaction between two or more chemicals that releases energy
You need to log in to access this simulation.