Concept/Topic: Learning to read topographic and surface management maps

Why Concept Selected: This activity uses real maps to learn how to read map symbols.  Students need to know how to read map symbols before they can identify watershed boundaries, draw a groundwater contour map, and use a map to find their way back, if lost.

Source: Denise Kilkenny-Tittle

Subjects: Science

Time: 1 period (45 minutes)

Environmental Education Standards Addressed: Questioning & Analysis: A.8.5, A.8.6

Unit Objective:

1.2.1 Read and interpret a topographic map by recognizing multiple topographic map symbols.

Additional Objectives:

·        Differentiate the many types of maps based on uses.

·        Know color designation for surface management maps.

·        Identify & draw major topographic map features and show direction of stream flow.

·        Calculate elevation of various points on a topographic map.

Basic Procedure:

·        Intro: Ask the students to define map, explain what they are used for and what they can show by giving examples of maps.  Discuss scale and symbols.

·        Show a surface management map: Ask what is the purpose of this map. (main purpose to show public and private lands) Ask the students if they notice a difference between this map and a topo map.  (contour intervals in meters, covers more area, colors differ.  Discuss the colors. green=forest service, yellow=BLM, blue=state, white=private)  Do they notice similarities? (topographic, use similar symbols, use township/range/section numbers, etc.)

·        Show a topographic map: Ask what is the purpose of this map (main purpose  to show layout of the land, elevation). Explain contour lines (represent points at the same elevation), contour intervals (dark brown line is the 5^th contour line and it contains a number for elevation), elevation, and colors (green=vegetated, white=not vegetated, blue=water).  Draw or have students point out examples of mountain/peak/high point, stream, roads, trails, ridgeline, depressions, steep and flat areas.  Ask the students what letter is formed by contour lines when the meet at a stream or river (V).  If the tip of the V points upstream, what direction is the creek flowing?

·        Map worksheet: to be completed in small groups of 2-4 people.

·        Knuckle Map: Use your knuckles to help students visualize what a 3-D object looks like in 2-D (flat map).  Make a fist and draw a circle around middle knuckle.  Draw another circle a little lower and then another circle. Now open your fist and lay your hand flat.

Variations: 

·        Draw a side view of a mountain range.  Have the students copy a similar drawing on their paper and then draw a topographic map for it.

·        Make a relief map by loosely crumpling a piece of paper.  Have the students identify and label the high points, valleys, ridgelines, etc.

·        Go on a field trip or excursion to an outdoor site with actual relief and study the maps for that area.