Topographical Maps

Students will interpret a topographical map in Exercise 1. Exercise 2 reinforces map interpretation and has students delineate a watershed.

Grade level: 7-12

Subject: Geography, science, math

NYS Science Standards: Standard 4: The Physical Environment: Map Reading Skill

Prerequisites: 

Students should now some basic concepts of maps: what a legend is, etc. USGS has basic good lessons under geography: http://interactive2.usgs.gov/learningweb/teachers/lesson_plans.htm 

Objective: 

Students will be able to interpret a topographical map.

Procedures:

1.      Explain a topographic map to students and why it is important.

2.      Explain how to read contour lines

3.      Students will read Mapping Exercise 1 and associated map, and answer the questions that follow- individually or in groups.

Materials:

1.      Mapping Exercise 1 and corresponding map.

Assessment/Evaluation: 

Where the students able to successfully answer the questions? Where there any areas that the entire class had problems?

Follow-up Activities: 

Mapping Exercise 2 can be used to reinforce this lesson and expand to teach students how to delineate a watershed.

Questions in Exercise 1: [Answer key for Exercise 1]

1. Find and highlight Smith Brook.
2. What is the distance between contour intervals on the map?  (*Note: elevation is in feet.) 
3. What is the highest elevation on this map?  
4. What is the lowest? 
5. What is the elevation of Lake George? 
6. Circle the mouth or outlet of Smith Brook (where it runs into Lake George).
7. Put a square around the two headwaters (where the brook begins).
8. The white area that runs along Route 9N (thick red line with black outlines) in the map is designated as ________________ probably due to ______________________.