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Contour Maps

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Young scholars review various contour maps, including local ones, to identify landforms such as mountains and plains. They create a 3-D contour map of an imaginary location that shows at least 10 changes in elevation. Afterward, they...
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Volcano Contour Models Activity

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students experiment with water levels and plastic topographic volcano models to determine the contour lines that would be used to create a topograpohic map of a volcano. They use the traced lines to actually develop the map.
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A Contouring We Go

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the built environment and infrastructures of their community by constructing contour equipment, using the equipment, and comparing their results to current topographical maps of the same area
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Layers with Lines

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students examine topographical maps and the challenges faced by cartographers when drawing the maps. While creating collages, they use contour lines to add dimension much in the same way they are used on maps to show elevation.
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Lesson 2 Activity 2: Mapping Mount St. Helens

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students use topographic map skills to interpret impact of the May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens on the volcano's topography, and draw profile views of Mount St. Helens before and after the May 18, 1980, eruption.
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Understanding Topographic Maps

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Underclassmen create a cone-shaped landform and then draw a contour map for it. Then they examine a quadrangle (which was easily located with an online search), and relate it to what they experienced. The accompanying worksheet is...
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Will There Be a White Christmas This Year?

For Teachers 3rd - 12th
Students examine historical weather data, and create map and color key that illustrates the likelihood of a white Christmas in different locations across the United States.
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From Maps to Models

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders study topography maps and learn the importance of their contour lines.  In this map lesson students create their own topography map. 
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From Maps to Models

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore watersheds through the use of a topographic map. They observe topographical maps and discuss their characteristics. In groups, students create a model clay island and make a topographical map of it. Afterward, groups...
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Introduction To Topographic Map Activities

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students discuss different types of maps, their similarities and differences. Using a Topographical Maps CD-rom program students create their own map.
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Production of the Lunar Relief Map Project

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners replicate the lunar surface. In this mapping skills lesson, students study the topography of the moon. Learners then use craft materials to create topographic maps of the lunar surface where the Eagle landed.
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Weaving Weather Maps with the World Wide Web

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students access the Internet and use real time data from the American Meteorological Society to create a detailed weather map. They make weather predictions based on the data collected.
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Common Themes

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders test usefulness of a model Earth by comparing its predictions to observations in the real world.  In this landforms lesson students construct an island from a contour map using model clay then analyze the landscape...
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Cross Section and Slope

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students draw cross sections of given contour maps. In this math instructional activity, students interpret the different symbols used in the map. They determine slope and steepness through direct measurement.
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Picture This: Telling Our Tales with Self-Portraits

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Students view a number of self portraits to determine the importance of pose, setting, clothing, and props in a piece of artwork. They design a self-portrait emphasizing the use of contour lines.
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Mapping Potato Island

For Teachers 5th - 9th
Students create their own topographical map using a potato. In this hands on instructional activity students construct a topographical map and explain what contour lines are using a potato.
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Planning A Railroad

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students use topographical maps students explain the challenges involved in building the railroad in the Sierra Nevada mountains.
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Comparing Topographical Maps to 3-Dimensional Models

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers apply knowledge of topographical maps and how computer programs are used to make 3-D models of areas that humans have never visited. They view a Mars Canyon movie, then map the canyon.
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Understanding a Geological Map

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students identify different types of maps and observe a geological map.  In this geology instructional activity students create a replica map of a geological area that includes a key. 
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Informed Drawing Through Observation

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students practice observation techniques to improve their drawing skills. In this drawing technique lesson, students assess drawing as an art media and discuss realism. Students view examples of animal drawings and practice drawing using...
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Planning a Railroad Online Lesson

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students design a train route using a topographical map. In this historical and spatial thinking lesson plan, students must plan a route through the Sierra Nevada mountains that a train could physically travel. Links to printable student...
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The Great Topo Race

For Teachers 9th - 11th
Students create a three dimensional island out of cardboard to examine how to read and use a topographical map. They make sure that their island can sustain life and that it has one volcanic mountain peak. They trace the parts of their...
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Building a Topographic Model

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore the features of a topographic map. They make paper models that portray, in three-dimensions, features represented by contour lines on a topographic map. Students demonstrate different elevations shown on a...
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Climb Every Volcano

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students use a contour map to distinguish the elevation of a volcano.  In this volcano lesson, students use styrofoam to create the contour of their map.  Students glue and assemble their volcano.   Students...

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