Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Tracing Highs and Lows in San Francisco

For Teachers 9th - 12th
On a topographic map, students identify the scale bar, north arrow, and contour interval. They then locate a hill on the map and make note of the contour lines. Students then locate other places with similar contour line patterns....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cookie Topography

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Young scholars construct a cross section diagram showing elevation changes on a "cookie island." Using a chocolate chip cookie for an island, they locate the highest point in centimeters on the cookie and create a scale in feet. After...
Lesson Plan
Cornell University

Constructing and Visualizing Topographic Profiles

For Teachers 6th - 12th Standards
Militaries throughout history have used topography information to plan strategies, yet many pupils today don't understand it. Scholars use Legos and a contour gauge to understand how to construct and visualize topographic profiles. This...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Salad Tray 3D Topographic Model

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore the characteristics of topographical maps. They examine the relationship of contour lines and vertical elevation. Students create a three-dimensional model of a landscape represented by a topographic contour map.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Topographic Map Unit Plan

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners examine topographic maps and discover how to decipher contour intervals, use contour lines and apply information to complete a topographic map lab. Working in groups, they identify the scale of the map, latitude and longitude,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Geologic cross section of Manhattan, NYC

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers draw an accurate geologic cross section by using a given data table. They relate the features of the cross section to geologic processes. Students then relate the characteristics of the bedrock to the architecture.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Gilligan's Island

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students investigate topographical maps and match actual landforms to them.  In this topographical maps lesson students create "Gilligan's Island" to scale then answer questions about it such as what the highest elevations is and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

MAPS AND TOPOGRAPHY

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students analyze the details of a topographic map and create one of their own by utilyzing a map of elevations.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What Do Maps Show?: Lesson 4 How to Read a Topographic Map

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students examine the use of topographic maps as two dimensional representations that show elevations and slopes with contour lines. They read maps of the Salt Lake City, Utah area and complete the associated worksheets that show map...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Making Topographic Maps and Mountain Profiles

For Teachers 7th - 11th
Students study how to mark inclines and construct a mountain profile.  In this topographic map lesson students mark contour intervals and draw mountain profiles. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

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...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

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...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

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...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cross Section and Slope

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students draw cross sections of given contour maps. In this math lesson, students interpret the different symbols used in the map. They determine slope and steepness through direct measurement.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Worksheet 19 - Topographical Maps

For Teachers Higher Ed
In this map worksheet, students use information from given topical maps and locate the maxima and solve one dimensional wave equations. This two-page worksheet contains four problems.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Generate an Accurate Landscape Profile from a Topographic Map

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students enerate an accurate landscape profile from a topographic map. They determine the correct interval needed to accurately graph the change in elevation on a single piece of graph paper.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What's Its Slope

For Teachers 8th - 10th
Students identify the slope of a lines.In this algebra lesson, students define the  meaning of slope and write an equation given the slope. They graph linear functions using the slope and y-intercept.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Building Topo Maps

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students explain and interpret topographic maps.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Water Monitoring Vocabulary

For Teachers 7th - 12th
As the title implies, this is a list of vocabulary terms relating to water monitoring. If your ecology class is learning about how to test water quality, this will be an appropriate reference sheet for them. As a bonus, if you live in...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How to Read a Topographic Map

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students investigate the use of topographic maps.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Design an Island

For Teachers 3rd - 12th
Students explore islands. They create a two- or three-dimensional map of an island. They explain how the topography of an area influences the location of water sources, ecosystems, and human settlements. Lesson includes adaptations for...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Working With Electronic Topography Maps

For Teachers 6th - 10th
Junior geologists examine topographic maps online and learn how to read them. they answer seven associated follow-up questions. This lesson plan is only a general outline and does not provide the details or the websites that you...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Go Fish

For Teachers K - 2nd
Here is a good art instructional activity on creating colorful versions of fish. After studying images of a variety of fish, young artists choose one that they want to create an image of. Using some high-quality materials, they create...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

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.