Knuckle Mountain
Standard 8-3
The student will demonstrate an understanding of materials that determine the
structure of Earth and the processes that have altered this structure.
Standard 8-3.9 Identify and illustrate geological features of South Carolina and other regions of the
world through the use of imagery (including aerial photography and satellite imagery)
and topographic maps.
Goal:
The student will understand that topographic maps provide information about
elevation, relief and slope of the ground surface by converting a 3D structure to a 2D
map. They will also understand the importance of contour lines and their role in
identifying the steepness of the terrain.
Equipment:
One thin tip Crayola washable marker for each student
Lesson:
Ask the students to provide a simple definition of a topographic map. A
topographic map is a 2D image of a 3D object that can show changes in elevation. Tell
the students that they are now going to make their own topographic map using their
hand. Ask them to bend their pointer finger in half so they make a peak (see pictures
below). This is their knuckle mountain.
Now tell them to start drawing small circles around their “mountain” at equal distances
apart (see pictures below). Ask the students what these circles represent. They are
contour lines. Instruct them to draw at least six circles around their mountain. After the
students are done, you can tell them they will now take their 3D mountain and convert
it to a 2D topographic map by putting their hand flat on the table. Their “mountain”
should now be flat (see pictures below).
This is where you can test their inquiry skills and observations.
1. What happened when you flattened your “mountain”?
2. Did the contour lines change at all?
3. On your map, are their contour lines that are now really close together? What does
that mean? The contour lines surrounding the peak of their “mountain” should be closer
together showing there is steep elevation changes.
3. Are there contour lines that didn’t change as much? What does that mean? Contour
lines around the base of their “mountain” should be less closer together and represent a
more gradual or flatter terrain.
5. Are you circles perfect circles anymore? When compressing 3D objects, the size and
shape may distort when you try to make them a flat surface. Relate this to trying to take
the earth and creating a flat map of the world. Continents are distorted.
6. Pick two spots on the same circle and ask them what they can tell you about the
elevation at those two points. They are the same elevation because they are on the
same contour line.
Contour lines are now very close
together: steep elevation change
Contour lines are evenly spaced
Contour lines are still evenly spaced:
gradual elevation changed.