Extension Activity:
Understanding a contour map: Map literacy is often undervalued so this activity is a fun
extension that gets students engaged in maps. While this section is not crucial to the lesson, it
does provide a nice framework for a watershed.
Here are some basic rules of contour/topo maps
1. A contour line represents a single equal elevation. All points on the same contour line
have the same elevation.
2. When you have one contour line surrounding another, the inner line represents a higher
elevation.
3. Usually every fifth contour line is darker and it’s elevation is written.
4. On the same map, closely spaced contour lines indicate a relatively steep slope while
widely spaced contour lines indicate a relatively gentle slope.
5. Contour lines do not cross other contour lines. The exception to this rule is on a vertical
cliff or nearly vertical cliff, contour lines touch because they are on top of each other.
6. Every contour line eventually touches itself. However, the map area may not be large
enough to show this closure and thus the contours will end at the edge of the map.
7. Hachure (short dashes) indicate a closed depression. The dashes will point into the
depression.
Activity: Create a 3d map in the classroom using a piece of cloth such as old sheet or a towel.
• Draw the contour lines on the sheet with a sharpie prior to class.
• Have students pile objects from the classroom under the sheet where there is higher
elevation.
o books, backpacks, anything lying around will work
• To connect with the watershed concept, have them drop a bead or small ball at the top of
your “mountains” and see where your “water droplet” flows.
Worksheet:
• Draw the contours based on the numbers of the sheet
o Have some students draw contours at intervals of 5, 10, or 15 to see how the map
changes based on the level of detail.
o You can then have students draw the flow water on this map.