Last updated: April 15, 2022
Lesson Plan
Earth's Features: Interpreting Patters with Topographic Maps
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- Grade Level:
- Upper Elementary: Third Grade through Fifth Grade
- Subject:
- Science
- Lesson Duration:
- 60 Minutes
- State Standards:
- Utah SEEd 5th Grade
Strand 5.1 Characteristics &
Interactions of Earth’s Systems
Standard 5.1.1 Analyze and interpret data to describe patterns of Earth’s features. - Additional Standards:
- NGSS Middle School
Strand 4-ESS2 Earth’s Systems
Standard 4-ESS2-2 Analyze and interpret data from maps to describe patterns of Earth’s features.
Essential Question
How can we use topographic maps to identify Earth's landforms?
Objective
Students will be able to interpret data on topographic maps and apply it to real landforms and features.
Background
All over the planet landscapes are made up by varying elevations. These differences in elevation make up the features of the earth: hills, mountains, valleys, canyons, rivers, and more. Upon closer examination of these features, patterns begin to emerge. Rivers always flow from high elevation to low elevation. Young mountains are often sharp and steep, while old mountains are usually soft and rounded. Valleys have different shapes depending on whether they were carved by rivers or glaciers.
When you properly learn how to read a topographic map, you can use this information to pick out in advance a nice flat place for your tent on a backpacking trip, figure out how much elevation gain you will have on a hike, decide on the safest pace to build your home, or plan military strategy for ground troops in unfamiliar territory.
Zion National Park is a wonderful example of diversity in landscape, elevation, and topography. It is precisely because of this diversity that such a national treasure exists. Without the gradient of high elevation near the Narrows and lower by the Visitor Center, the Virgin River would lose some of its downcutting power. In addition, Zion’s steep cliffs allow rainwater to gather the velocity needed to create the raging flashfloods that continue to carve this glorious canyon.
Preparation
- Download lesson plan and activity guide
- Download the Mapping the Ups and Downs PowerPoint
- Gather all materials for the activities
Materials
Download Lesson Plan and Activity Guide
Download Mapping the Ups and Downs PowerPoint
Procedure
Follow suggested procedures within activity guide.
Vocabulary
- Topography- the arrangement of the natural and artificial physical features of an area.
- Topographic maps- a map detailing the physical features of an area in terms of elevation and gradiant
- Landform- a natural feature of the earth's surface
- Contour Line- a line on a map joining points of equal height above or below sea level.
Topography, Landform, Topographic Maps, , Elevation, Contour Line, Index Contour Line, Contour Interval, Cinder Cone