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Volcano Contour Models Activity
Young scholars experiment with water levels and plastic topographic volcano models to determine the contour lines that would be used to create a topograpohic map of a volcano. They use the traced lines to actually develop the map.
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Mapping
Introduce middle or high schoolers to topographic maps with this PowerPoint. After a review of longitude and latitude, display and describe contour lines and intervals. Also explain map scale. This is a useful presentation for a social...
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Topographic Maps
Sometimes it is difficult to grasp topographic maps. Here is a clever presentation designed to help your middle school earth scientists understand. Beginning with a side view of a pair of mountains, a graphic guy walks up one slope. As...
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Layers with Lines
Students examine topographical maps and the challenges faced by cartographers when drawing the maps. While creating collages, they use contour lines to add dimension much in the same way they are used on maps to show elevation.
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Tracing Highs and Lows in San Francisco
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....
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Contour Map Worksheet #3
Earth scientists answer five multiple choice questions about the topographical map atop the worksheet. Use this as a quick assessment of understanding after having taught how to read contour lines and topographic maps.
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Topographic Map Unit Plan
Students 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,...
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From Maps to Models
Fourth graders study topography maps and learn the importance of their contour lines. In this map instructional activity students create their own topography map.
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Geologic cross section of Manhattan, NYC
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.
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Volcano Contour Models Activity and Tracing the Highs and Lows in San Francisco
Learners 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.
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Introduction to Topographic Maps
Tenth graders create a topographic map and see how it represents different elevations. In this topographic maps lesson students read and interpret topographic maps.
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"Potato Mountain": Reading/Understanding Topographic Maps
Students investigate how to read topographic maps. For this map reading lesson students complete a topographic map activity.
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Common Themes
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 features...
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Gilligan's Island
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 what...
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From Maps to Models
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...
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Student Exploration: Building Topographic Maps
In this earthquake exploration worksheet, students complete 2 prior knowledge questions, then use "Building Topographic Maps Gizmo" to conduct several activities, completing short answer questions when finished.
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Contour Map Worksheet #4
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...
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Mapping Potato Island
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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Outdoor Education; Maps, Elevation
Ninth graders use online topographical maps to fill in a chart regarding elevation and contour lines.
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Making Topographic Maps and Mountain Profiles
Students study how to mark inclines and construct a mountain profile. In this topographic map instructional activity students mark contour intervals and draw mountain profiles.
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Hurricane Impact: Storm Surges and Elevation Transitions
For this hurricane worksheet, student answer 6 multiple choice questions and 8 short answer questions about hurricanes. They color the map to show flooded areas.
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Production of the Lunar Relief Map Project
Students replicate the lunar surface. In this mapping skills lesson, students study the topography of the moon. Students then use craft materials to create topographic maps of the lunar surface where the Eagle landed.
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Using GIS to Construct Water Table Maps and Flow Nets
Pupils examine how to use GIS software to analyze patterns of groundwater flow. Seepage lake elevation data from the Sand Hills of Nebraska is used to construct a water table map and flow net using Esri's Arc Map software.
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Design an Island
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...