November 2010
5th Grade: Unit- Landforms (Topography)
Duration: 12:15-1:00
Objective-Students will learn to create more advanced profiles using different topographic
features
Materials Needed-Profile sheets, Foss Creek sheets, rulers, transparencies, overhead
projector, stream table
Topographic Map Analysis (12:15-12:40)
-What landform information can you get from a topographic map?
-Distribute copies of Foss Creek map, explain that it is a fictional topographic map that they
will be analyzing
-Have students identify the contour lines, elevations and system of measurement already
on the map. With that information, have them label each contour line and determine the
contour interval
-Explain that with division (100 ft. difference/5 contour lines=20 foot interval) we can
determine the interval
-Students will circle the lowest elevation and box the highest elevation
-Define: bench mark-surveyor’s marker usually place permanently in the ground at a
known position and elevation
-Ask where the two bench marks are on the map
-Students will identify Rocky River and will make an arrow showing the direction of water
flow
-Define: Intermittent stream-water flows in it only during certain times of year
Perennial stream-Always has water flowing in it
-Identify intermittent and perennial streams
Profile (12:40-12:50)
-Using rulers, instruct students to draw a line from point A to point B
-Fold the Foss Creek Map on that line
-Make sure the A side is on the left side of the paper
-Label profile, starting at 50 meters in 20 m intervals
-Draw profiles
Conclusion (12:50-1:00)
-Where is the shallowest slope? The steepest?
-What do you notice about the contour lines where they intersect the river?
-Using a stream table as a visual, show that a river valley is lower in elevation than the land
around it, show that a comparable elevation outside of the river valley is going to be lower
on the map
-Have students compare Foss Creek and Mr. Shasta profiles: What are the differences in
landforms, slopes, elevation, etc.?