Not just the bunny hill!

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:

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See you next week for some biology review!

 

 

 

Author

Dr. Catherine Sukow

Dr. Sukow's interest in science education began when she was a teenager, with an extended visit to San Francisco's Exploratorium. In college, she had summer jobs in a similar, smaller, museum. She focused her Master's research at NCSU on the structure of metal silicides on silicon, and her Ph. D. work at Brandeis on the structure of crossbridged actin bundles. While volunteering in her childrens' schools, she was reminded how much fun it is to teach science, and is happy to be teaching now with Science from Scientists. In her spare time, she also enjoys yoga, choral and solo singing, and attempting a variety of international cuisines.

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