Classroom Teacher Preparation
Earth Science 5: Topographic Maps
Please use the following to prepare for the next SfS lesson.
Description:
This lesson reviews and expands on the basics of map literacy. In particular, it familiarizes students with topographic
maps – a type of map that describes the physical features of an area of land. In the activity, all students will create a 3D
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model of a landform and then use it to create a 2D topographic map. Lengthy classes and older students (6 -8 ) will also
use a topographic map to create a 3D model.
Lesson Objectives – SWBAT (“Students Will Be Able To…”):
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4 -8
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Recognize and understand the basics of topographical maps
Interpret data from topographical maps to describe the patterns of Earth
Create a topographic map from a 3D landform model
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6 -8
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Model a 3D landform from a topographic map
Preparation:
This lesson is an introduction to topography and topographic maps; however, it would be very useful if the concepts below
were reviewed before class.
Vocabulary:
Introduce these terms:
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Landform – natural feature of a land surface, e.g., mountains, hills, valleys, lakes, oceans, rivers
Elevation – the height of mountains and other objects, usually recorded in reference to sea level
Slope – measure of how steep a line or surface is
Political map – shows governmental boundaries of countries, states, and counties, as well as the location of major
cities (they also usually include significant bodies of water)
These terms will be defined in lesson:
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Topography – represents the shape of the surface features
Topographic map – a way to represent the three-dimensional features of a landscape on a two-dimensional
surface (a map)
Contour lines – describe the shape of a landscape. These lines connect points of equal elevation. If you were to
travel along one line, you would stay at the same height above sea level
Contour interval – the distance between any two side-by-side contour lines on a topographic map
Index contour – reference lines on topographic maps. Every fifth contour line is darker, or highlighted, to provide a
quick reference guide for elevation changes. Index contours are marked with elevations to allow users to quickly
determine specific elevations of contour lines
Science from Scientists
617-314-7773 • [email protected] • www.sciencefromscientists.org
Copyright © 2015 Science from Scientists
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Room Set Up for Activities:
Students will work in pairs, modeling with clay. Table space will be needed for this lesson.
Safety:
No safety concerns for this lesson.
Related Modules:
This module can be related to lessons regarding map-reading, model-making, and geology. Related modules from our
Earth Science category include:
Earth Science 9: Rock Cycle - The three rock types found on Earth (igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic) are
discussed and their specific characteristics are identified. Students will examine and identify rock samples using a
dichotomous key.
Earth Science 14: Soil Properties - This lesson introduces students to the characteristics and formation of soil. Students
will examine the color, texture, and field capacity of soil, and discuss the importance of soil for plant life.
Standards Covered:
Please click the following link to our website to review the standards covered by this lesson, listed by state:
http://www.sciencefromscientists.org/standards/
Lessons are matched to both national NGSS and local state standards.
Classroom Post and Activities:
A link to the Follow Up Student activity can be found in the Classroom Post on our website at
sciencefromscientists.org/cohorts. Use the name of your school/cohort and password to log in. Make your own
topographical map... on your hand!
Additional Resources:
Background information for teachers:
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“Topographic Map Skills” - a great video with background information on topographical maps (video, 11:42):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bENEygui4jo
Visualizing Topography: an online activity that contains animations and interactive movies to help students
interpret two-dimensional topographic maps using three-dimensional models:
http://reynolds.asu.edu/topo_gallery/intro_title.htm
Topographic Map of the World: http://geology.com/nasa/world-topographic-map/
For showing students:
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“What is Topography?” (video, 1:52): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-UXrpAjyl0
“Earth’s Changing Surface - Topographic Maps” (video, 6:35):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SymUFSwEm3c
Science from Scientists
617-314-7773 • [email protected] • www.sciencefromscientists.org
Copyright © 2015 Science from Scientists
Page 2