Mapping the Shape of Everest

With Mount Everest as the motivator, your earth science class learns about topographic maps. Begin by showing a film clip from The Wildest Dream: Conquest of Everest, featuring fearsome virtual imagery of a path up world's tallest peak. Set up a large classroom demonstration by draping a sheet over a tall basket and using yarn to mark contour lines. Photograph the model from the top and then display it to show how a two-dimensional image can represent the topography. Finally, have the class examine a map of Mount Everest and answer questions on a worksheet. This activity really helps learners to make the connection between contour lines and topography. Ideally, you would follow the activity with a hands-on activity in which pairs work together to draw topographic maps.