A topographic map can be challenging to read. This guide explains how to decipher one and how to use a magnetic compass to orient yourself to the landscape. It also explains how to use GPS coordinates.

Using GeoMap software, students learn how to read topographic maps, and the rules for using contour lines on a map. Detailed teacher and student handouts are provided. (GeoMap software can be downloaded at: http://www.geomapapp.org/.)

Explore the characteristics of a watershed through these multiple intelligences learning activities. Activities will help students define a watershed as well as read the features on a topographic map. Site also includes background...

In this lesson students will begin by looking at a series of maps and they will brainstorm ways the natural world may interact with humans and vice-versa. Students will then come up with a list of features of a city or town, make...