Tasa Graphic Arts, Inc.

Tasa Graphic Arts, Inc.
1210B Salazar Road  -  Taos, NM USA 87571
Phone: (800) 293-2725 or (575) 758-5535  -  Fax: (575) 758-5536
E-mail:  info@tasagraphicarts.com

Introduction To Topographic Map Activities
Teacher's Guide
Advanced Level: 7th - 9th grade


These activities were created as supplemental material for the Introduction to Topographic Maps CD-ROM.
Back to Introduction to Topographic Maps - Teacher Lesson Plans page
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Teacher's Guide
2. Introduction to Topographic Maps CD-ROM Program Navigation Worksheet
3. Introduction to Topographic Maps CD-ROM Program Navigation Worksheet Answer Sheet
4. Map Reading Activity
5. Draw Your Own Topographic Map Activity
6. Draw Your Own Topographic Map Activity Grade Sheet
OBJECTIVES
  • Identify the symbols used in a topographic map
  • Demonstrate knowledge of contour lines and contour intervals
  • Illustrate the variations in elevations by using contour lines and contour intervals
  • Compare the scales of two different elevations
MATERIALS
  • Pencil
  • Two pieces of paper
  • Map pencils
  • Ruler
  • Map legend
  • Introduction to Topographic Maps CD-ROM by Tasa Graphic Arts, Inc.
  • Introduction to Topographic Maps CD-ROM Program Navigation Worksheet
VOCABULARY
  • Contour Lines
A line that connects points of equal elevation
  • Contour Interval
 The change in elevation between one contour line and the next contour line
  • Index Contour
Every fifth line that is darkened
  • Hachures
 Short lines used on a map to indicate a depression
  • Legend
Symbols used on a topographic map to indicate objects or explain map information
  • Scale
A proportion used to determine the actual distance between two points shown on a map
  • Elevation

 Height above sea level
PROCEDURE (Directions for the teacher)
1. Students should be shown examples of various types of maps.

2. Students will work in cooperative groups to discuss similarities and differences of the styles and types of maps.

3. Students will study scales and symbols from different maps.

4. Students will complete the Introduction to Topographic Maps CD-ROM using the Advanced Level navigation sheets.

5. After completing the Introduction to Topographic Maps CD-ROM, the students will carefully read the procedure for creating their own topographic map. The teacher should emphasize the change in contour intervals and how the change affects the elevation.

6. Students should be shown an example of a map legend. The class should discuss the different symbols used on a map and review the symbols they will use for their maps.

7. The teacher should demonstrate drawing a topographic map by using guided practice. Have students draw the rectangles for both maps. The teacher should demonstrate on the overhead by drawing an example of one of the maps.

8. The teacher should review the grading tool for both maps. The maps are used as a performance assessment tool for the topographic unit.
©Judy Richeson 7/24/01


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