TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Topo Triangulation
In this activity, students will learn how to read a topographical map and how to triangulate with just a map. True triangulation requires both a map and compass, but to simplify the activity and make it possible indoors, the compass...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Geo Map App Learning Activities: Rules of Contouring
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/.)
Harvard University
Harvard University: Maps and Mapping
This site is provided for by Harvard University. Students follow a map on a scavenger hunt, create a map of their classroom and their town, learn how to read topographic maps, and discover latitude and longitude in these inquiry activities.
US Geological Survey
Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation: Watershed
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...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Topo Map Mania!
Maps are designed to allow people to travel to a new location without a guide to show the way. They tell us information about areas to which we may or may not have ever been. There are many types of maps available for both recreational...
National Association of Geoscience Teachers
Nagt: Urban Planning 101: Map Appreciation
In this lesson plan 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...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: Let Them Eat Cake! Topography Lesson
Contour lines on topographic maps require visual processing to read and interpret. This hands-on activity helps give a tasty mental image.