Topographic Map Lesson Plans

Tenth graders create a topographic map and see how it represents  different elevations. For this topographic maps lesson students read and interpret topographic maps. 

Eighth graders interpret a local topographic map. In this earth science lesson, 8th graders explain the basic features of the map. They construct their own map in class and discuss the challenges they encounter in creating the outline maps.

Students complete a worksheet about topographic mapping. In this map skills lesson, students examine the features and discuss the uses for topographic maps.

Students study the importance of topographical maps and how they are used in society. They examine the purpose of using elevation lines to represent true elevation. They reflect, explain and analyze their process in the creation of their project.

Students explore the information depicted on topographic maps. They construct a 3-D topographic map of a local area. They go on a field trip to the depicted area and compare the 'real world' with their models.

Students study how to map their local watershed from a topographic map. They find the watershed on an aerial photograph and use maps and aerial photos from the Web to identify the human activity within the watershed, as well as various types of animal habitat.

Eighth graders explore the ocean floor. In this topography lesson, 8th graders compare topographical maps to bathymetric charts. They will create a topographic map and note landmarks and other land features.

Students investigate slopes as they study topographic maps. In this algebra lesson, students discuss and apply the concept of slopes to graphing and analyzing data.

Sixth graders explore landforms. In this topographic map lesson, 6th graders examine how geographical features are shown on these maps as they design brochures regarding the skills needed to read and interpret topographical maps.

Students create a two-dimensional topographic map and a 3-D model of landforms.  In this creative lesson students create 2 and 3-D objects and learn how to interpret the data from these things.