Title: Topographic map: a learning cycle.
Grade Level: 6th grade
Time Frame: 1hr. 40min.
Big Idea: In this lesson students will do a learning cycle activity where they must create a topographic map.
The students will then learn about topographic mapping, why it is important and who the people who use
topographic maps are.
Assessment [how objectives are measured/recorded]
Objectives/Outcomes/Expectations
Students will be able to improve on social skills.
The creation of the topographic maps. Also
C.8.10
questioning within groups during the activity.
Students will be able to identify a topographic map.
C.8.2, A.8.7,
Students will be able to construct a topographic map.
H.8.2, G.8.1., G.8.4.
Materials Needed: Models of a mountain, either out of clay or Styrofoam, rulers, toothpicks, string, and
display paper.
Procedures
Academic
Adaptation
Behavioral or
Social
Adaptation
Assistive
Technology
10min. Sponge Question. “What are the different types of maps,
what makes each map different?”
Ask and discuss the sponge question.
50min. Activity 4 The students are going get in groups. Each
group is given a poster board, a ruler, toothpicks, a string, and a
model of a mountain. Give the student this question. “How can I
show how tall a mountain is on map?” Students respond and then
discuss in groups. Explain that the students are now going to
create a map that shows the increase off elevation of the model.
As students perform the activity ask probing questions.
Such as What is your plan?
What do think will work?
Why do you think it will Work?
30min. Groups will show the techniques they used to map the
model. Explain what they did and why they did it.
10min. Instructor will explain that what they did was create a
topographic map. Explain what are contour lines and what they
are used for. Students will then be asked “How can these types of
maps be applied to lakes and water depth.”
A homework assignment:
Explain how topographic mapping can be useful to sailors?”
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Components Embedded in the Lesson Procedure
Opening/Stimulus: Discussion of the various types of maps.
Students' Misconceptions: Students may not know how to graph the elevation of something. Students
may not have ever seen a topographic map before
Questions to ask: How can you map elevation on a piece of paper?
Probing questions during learning cycle.
“What are you doing to map the height?”
“Why do you think that will work?”
Background Knowledge: This lesson introduces topographic maps to students. The will learn about contour
lines and the reasons for them. The lesson also is crucial in the development of social skills.
Staging/Tips/Tricks/Safety: Hints and Tips for the teacher
Worksheets: Attached
Other: “A+ Science Projects”
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Assessment for topographic map presentation
Name___________________________________
Date______________________
Communication/behavioral
______ Student speaks clearly and loudly
______ Student exhibits appropriate behavior while presenting
______ Student responds to all asked questions
______ All members of the group present
Content Skills
______ Student uses vocabulary (contour lines, contour interval, and relief)
______ Student’s map accurately portrays the landscape
______ Student follows the rules of topographic mapping
Process Skills
_____ Student explains the creating process (what were some problems, What did you do?)
_____ Student defend their map (why did you do like that?)
_____ Student explains why and who would use a topographic map
Creative
____ Student uses all of the paper (spatial skill)
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