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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Understanding Topographic Maps

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students are introduced to the characteristics and uses of topographical maps. Using a worksheet, they examine the use of specific terminology and use cutouts to create their own topographical map of an area. They answer discussion...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Production of the Lunar Relief Map Project

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers replicate the lunar surface. In this mapping skills lesson, students study the topography of the moon. Middle schoolers then use craft materials to create topographic maps of the lunar surface where the Eagle landed.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

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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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What do Maps Show?

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders practice reading maps.  In this geography instructional activity, 7th graders compare a topographical map to a picture of the actual place. 
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How to Read a Topographic Map

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

Isoseismal Maps

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students examine the difference between magnitude and intensity in earthquakes. They complete map work and write a first hand account of a person living in each level of intensity on the Modified Mercalli Scale.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Melody II

For Teachers 4th - 5th
In this music worksheet, learners identify melody as a string of notes that has a rhythm. They identify which notes given are melody and/or harmony. Students also map the contour of "Sweet Georgia Brown."
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Building A Topographic Model

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students visualize, in three dimensions, features represented by contour lines on a topographic map. They see that the different elevations shown on a two dimensional topographic map can be used to build a 3-D model.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Reading A Weather Map

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders construct a weather map. In this meteorology lesson, 9th graders construct a weather map using contour lines and temperature.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Controlling Nonpoint Source Pollution

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students examine factors affecting water quality. They test water in a local body of water to determine its quality. They collect data and continue monitoring the water monthly. They assess water quality in the home and on the farm.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mapping Potato Island

For Teachers 5th - 9th
Students 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.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

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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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...
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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.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Creating a 3d Model and Corresponding Topographic Map

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students create a landform model and topographic map. In this topography activity, students use a real landform to create a model and topographic map to scale.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Comparing Topographical Maps to 3-Dimensional Models

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students 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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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Understanding a Geological Map

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students identify different types of maps and observe a geological map.  In this geology lesson students create a replica map of a geological area that includes a key. 
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Shoes and the Backyard Landscape

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Your shoes get a lot of mileage in familiar places. Represent the places you have traveled the most with an art project based on a print of Indian People Wear Shoes and Socks by Juane Quick-to-See Smith. Kids trace their shoes and draw...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Theobroma - Food of the Gods

For Teachers 4th - 11th
Students discuss the history of cacao and its use in the production of chocolate. They analyze actual cacao pods and record their observations. Finally they create a five minute contour drawing of the cacao pod and seeds.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

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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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mapping the Sea Floor

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers review their prior knowledge on topographical maps. Using a map, they examine the sea floor off the coast of San Diego, California. With a partner, they chart the sea floor of an area and use cutouts to create a visual...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

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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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mapping The Ocean Floor

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Young scholars explore and analyze the bottom structure of underwater habitats. They describe and explain what can't see through the collection and correlation of accurate data. Learners assess that technology is utilized as a tool for...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Planning A Railroad Online Lesson

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students plan a route across Donner Summit using topographical maps in order to understand the challenges involved in constructing the railroad in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. In this history lesson, students first discover how to read...