Topographical Maps

Topographic Maps

(4th grade, 5 min. + 10 min. per group)

Objective:

To learn how to use topographic maps.

A large topographic map that can be written on
A worksheet for each student to use in the group activity. It should ask them to identify the elevation at various points on the map, along with other features on the map. (Example Worksheet)

Draw a similar figure on the board:

Topographic Map: Shows hills and mountains on a flat piece of paper.
Scale of a Map: How long a mile is on the map
Elevation: The elevation numbers and lines show how high each area is.
Contour: Point out the numbers on the contour lines and explain elevation. I.e., everything on this line has an elevation of 20 ft.; If contours are close together, it is steeper. If they are spaced out, it is more flat.
Contour Interval: How much the elevation goes up between each contour line

Label several points on the map for students to identify the elevation on their worksheet.
Work with groups of about five students at a time.
Give each person a worksheet to use in this group activity.
Show students how to follow the contours around to where the elevation is marked.
Show them how to identify steep or flat areas, hills and canyons, and which direction is going up or down by looking at the contours and elevations. Encourage each student to identify some features.
As time allows, let them to work through questions on the worksheet and help them individually with the questions. Let them know that the worksheet is just for the activity, not for a grade.