Investigating Between Places

Investigating Between Places - Explore thresholds, boundaries and the spaces between.

What can a boundary tell you about a place?

As part of the Curiosity Collection, this printable investigation invites you to explore the thresholds and boundaries you encounter in the world around you — and then follow your curiosity to discover what lies behind them.

Take yourself on an adventure around an interesting and safe place. Look for a range of thresholds or boundaries, choose one that catches your attention, and begin by observing and mapping the area around it.

Then start asking questions.

What might the space around the boundary suggest? Are there words, objects, signs or other features connected with it that make you curious? The resource gives you prompts to help you develop your own questions rather than simply providing the answers.

From there, choose one or two questions to investigate further. You might explore online, visit a library or museum, or talk to someone with relevant knowledge. You are encouraged to check your information using more than one source where possible.

Finally, return to your most interesting discovery and add your own interpretation. What do you think about what you have found? Do you agree with the implications of your discovery? What further thoughts or questions does it raise?

The investigation follows four stages:

Observe - Look closely at the place around you and notice its thresholds and boundaries.

Map - Choose one that interests you and create a simple map showing its surrounding area.

Question - Generate your own questions about what you have found.

Investigate & Interpret - Research one or two questions, check your discoveries and then add your own thoughts.

What’s included

• A printable Investigating Between Places activity
• Space for observations and notes
• A mapping activity
• Prompts to help you develop your own questions
• Space to record discoveries from two sources
• A final section for your own interpretation

The activity can lead in many different directions: local history, geography, place names, land use, architecture, signs, landmarks, boundaries and the stories attached to particular places.

You don't need specialist knowledge to begin.

You choose the place; your curiosity decides where the investigation goes.

You will need

• A printed copy of the resource
• A pen or pencil
• An interesting and safe place to explore
• Access to sources for the investigation — these might include the internet, a library, a museum or a knowledgeable person

This resource is designed for independent, offline-friendly exploration. The research stage can take place afterwards, allowing the initial observation and mapping to remain a screen-free activity.

This resource is part of the Curiosity Collection, exploring the idea of Liminal — the spaces, places and moments between one thing and another.

Please note: This is a digital printable resource. No physical product will be posted.

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