Maps: Understanding Topographic Maps

Overview

Grade: 4th

Topic: Earth Science

Standard:

• Scientific Inquiry , Practice and Applications. Grades 3-5. Use appropriate mathematics, tools and techniques to gather data and information.

In this lesson students will be introduced to topographic maps that show the 3D world in 2D. They will create mini maps to help them further understand these maps.

Format

• Short video introduction to maps

• 2 activities for students

• Wrap up video

• Quiz

Materials

• Student worksheets

  • Activity 1

  • Activity 2

• Pencil or pen (activity 1)

• Handful of Clay or play dough (activity 2)

• Marker (not a crayon or pencil) (activity 2)

• Plastic bag (can be a ziploc or a grocery bag) (activity 2)

• Sheet of paper (activity 2)

Lesson

Video Introduction

Watch 9:35 minute introduction video on topographic maps. (same video is located at the top of this page).

Activity 1: Understanding the wiggles

Students will look at some simple maps and select which maps fit which scenario.

Student Worksheet

Wrap Up

Set up a Q&A time for your students with your county's Soil and Water Educator. Contact.

Assessment

Quiz - google forms 10 questions, all multiple choice.

Extensions

Activity: More Clay Mountains

You can also make clay mountains that the students cut apart at different heights to create a mountain. They use dental floss to cut the clay. This takes a little more dexterity than some 4th graders have, especially earlier in the school year. There are some great examples online:

• Activity https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/topomap-clay/en/

• Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1AWNR-Y0pQ (10 min)

Reading

These readings are free with registration on ReadWorks, a nonprofit that provides Common-Core-aligned readings. All readings include comprehension questions.

How to read a physical map (grade 5. Non-fiction, 1,293 words) Not just about physical maps, but about topographic maps

Our Changing Earth: Plate Tectonics and Large-Scale System Interactions (grade 4, fiction, 840 words and questions set). Story about children going on a hike with their uncle and learning about maps.

Other Resources

Access Free Topographic Maps

USGS has free access for you to download topographic maps https://www.usgs.gov/products/maps/topo-maps

View Free Maps using color for contours

Hueston Woods Example

GeoFlyer App

Available from Apple Store and Google Play. I use the free versions.

Using the app, you can “fly” through a map seeing the landforms. Works much better in areas like the Rocky Mountains and Grand Canyon than it does for flat Ohio. You can also fly through the Alps in the European version.

Questions

Questions? Please contact your county SWCD educator