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
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Topographic Map Unit Plan

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Pupils 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

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
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Introduction to Topographic Maps

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders create a topographic map and see how it represents  different elevations. For this topographic maps lesson students read and interpret topographic maps. 
Lesson Plan
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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 instructional activity students create their own topography map. 
Lesson Plan
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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
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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...
Lesson Plan
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Mapping the Canyon

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students compare and contrast topographic maps and bathymetric maps. They investigate how bathymetric maps are made and how to interpret one.
Lesson Plan
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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...
Lesson Plan
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Cross Section and Slope

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers 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
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Volcano Contour Models Activity and Tracing the Highs and Lows in San Francisco

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students investigate how to draw topographic contours and read topographic maps.They examine the topography of San Francisco and contrast the elevation of different points within San Francisco.
Lesson Plan
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Geologic cross section of Manhattan, NYC

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students 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.
Worksheet
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Hurricane Impact: Storm Surges and Elevation Transitions

For Students 6th - 9th
In this hurricane worksheet, student answer 6 multiple choice questions and 8 short answer questions about hurricanes. They color the map to show flooded areas.
Lesson Plan
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"Potato Mountain": Reading/Understanding Topographic Maps

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Pupils investigate how to read topographic maps.  In this map reading lesson students complete a topographic map activity. 
Lesson Plan
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Mapping Ancient Coastlines

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Most of this lesson is spent working on the "Bathymetry Worksheet." It includes a graph of the changes in sea level over the past 150,000 years and a bathymetric map of changes in an imaginary coastline over time. Participants answer...
Worksheet
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Red River Contours

For Students 7th - 10th
In this contour map worksheet, students use a given contour map to answer 16 questions about the area shown on the map. Topics include the gradient from one spot to another, the elevation, the direction of the flow of the Red River, the...
Lesson Plan
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Gilligan's Island

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

For Teachers 5th - 9th
Young scholars create their own topographical map using a potato. In this hands on lesson students construct a topographical map and explain what contour lines are using a potato.
Lesson Plan
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Building Topo Maps

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students explain and interpret topographic maps.
Interactive
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Student Exploration: Building Topographic Maps

For Students 4th - 6th
In this earthquake exploration learning exercise, students complete 2 prior knowledge questions, then use "Building Topographic Maps Gizmo" to conduct several activities, completing short answer questions when finished.
Worksheet
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Contour Map Worksheet #4

For Students 7th - 12th
There are only four questions here. There is a contour map of Cottonwood, Colorado and the creek that crosses it. Earth scientists tell in what direction the creek flows, identify the highest elevation on the map, draw a topographic...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Viewing Earth and Sky

For Students 7th - 12th
In this earth and sky worksheet, students review terms associated with map reading. Students also review topographic maps and how contour lines represent elevation. This worksheet has 5 matching, 5 true or false, 5 fill in the blank, and...
Lesson Plan
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Outdoor Education; Maps, Elevation

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders use online topographical maps to fill in a chart regarding elevation and contour lines.
Lesson Plan
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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...