Topographic Maps
This week, students explored topography, a method of representing three-dimensional land forms on a two-dimensional map. We talked specifically about topographic maps of the Earth. After reviewing the concepts of elevation and slope we talked about how topographic maps can help us determine both of these things. We compared two different striped cones (idealized “mountains”) to see how the contour lines painted on them could be used to determine both the relative heights and the relative steepness of cones.
We then looked at images of some real mountains, and tried to match topographic maps of each to the correct mountain, based on observations about their slopes, surroundings, and features.
Students had the opportunity to make a model mountain and slice it up to make their own topographic maps. They worked in pairs to form the “mountain”, mark the direction of “north” — and important reference point on a map! — mark off and slice 1-cm slabs, and trace each slab to produce the topographic maps.
Some snapshots of our mapmakers in action:
See you next week for some biology review!
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