Understanding Topographic Maps

Underclassmen create a cone-shaped landform and then draw a contour map for it. Then they examine a quadrangle (which was easily located with an online search), and relate it to what they experienced. The accompanying worksheet is specifically written for the Wahtoke quadrangle in California, but you could imitate the worksheet using a local landform for increased interest. A crossword puzzle with topography terms is also included. Though this suggests that it is for a high school level, it is somewhat simplistic and may be better used in a middle school earth science or geography lesson.