Markville Secondary School
Geography Department
CGC1D1
Geography of Canada
PERFORMANCE TASK - UNITS 1 AND 2
February 2012
DUE DATE: ________________________
Parent Signature: ____________________
CONTOUR MAP AND MODEL
The performance task for the Geography Skills unit is a contour mapping and model-building exercise.
This assignment is an individual project. The goal of this performance task is to create a contour map, a
topographic map and a landform model that represents the characteristics of a given land area. The
skills developed in the classroom are essential to the completion of this task.
The contour map performance task allows the students the opportunity to demonstrate the mastery of
a number of important expectations. By the successful completion of this assignment the student will:
 select and use appropriate methods for displaying geographic data;
 create and use effectively photographs, charts, graphs, models and diagrams;
 use cartographic conventions correctly when constructing maps;
 demonstrate an understanding of the methods used to collect, organize, manipulate and interpret
geographic data;
 use graphic organizers effectively to visualize, clarify, and interpret geographic information;
 select and use appropriate technology to present geographic information;
 use different types of maps to interpret geographic relationships.
Use the boxes at the side of each task as a checklist to keep track of your progress.
☐
PART 1
TOPOGRAPHIC MAP
Knowledge/Understanding
Communication
/10 marks
/10 marks
In this part of the performance task you will create your own topographic map. Follow the instructions
below and create your map on the grid provided. Be sure to use proper symbols and colours and to
follow all the rules for mapping. Be sure to include a legend for the topographic map.
There are two towns on this island. They fill the grid square where they are located. The first town is
centered at 195 955 and the second one is at 315 915. Give both these towns a name. There is a main
two lane paved highway joining these towns (from 200 955 to 310 915). It is Highway #5. A second road,
a dirt road, runs off Highway # 5 at 283 925 in a southwest direction. This road is straight until it reaches
235 888 where it turns due south and ends in a campground at 235 865. This road is called Side Road #
1. There is a church at the intersection of Side Road # 1 and Highway #5. At the corner where the side
1
road turns south there is a house and barn (on the east side of the road). Near the house and barn there
is an apple orchard (242 887). There are forests in each of the grid squares directly to the north, east,
west and south of the campground. An old quarry can be found at 263 908. There is a small lake (round
in shape) centered on 265 950. Name the lake. A river runs out of the lake in a southern direction – it
crosses Highway #5 at 267 930 – and at 267 923 it turns west and flows in a fairly straight line – parallel
to the highway – until it flows into the bay at 188 946. The river and the bay have the same name. There
is a lighthouse at 161 952 and a submerged wreck at 165 957. There is an elevation tower (821 m)
located near the old quarry. A second river starts in a swamp around 295 897 and flows southwest and
then southeast to leave the island at 292 868. This river and the small bay it empties into, also have the
same name. There is a school on the outskirts of the first town at 199 949 and a hospital in the second
town at 312 912. People arrive on the island at the airport located at 214 957.
☐
PART 2
CONTOUR MAP
Knowledge/Understanding
/10 marks
In this part of the performance task you will draw a contour map. A base map of spot heights is
provided. Use a contour interval of 100 m when you draw the contours. Be sure to follow all the rules
for drawing contours. NOTE: You will have to adjust your contours to take into account any rivers on the
island. You should draw the rivers and lake on the contour map before you begin.
THIS PART OF THE ASSIGNMENT MUST BE COMPLETED AND APPROVED BY THE TEACHER BEFORE
PROCEEDING TO PARTS 3 AND 4.
☐
PART 3
CROSS-SECTION
Communication
/ 10 marks
Once the contour map has been checked, draw a cross-section or profile of the island. Draw a line or
transect from 250 850 to 290 980 and use that line to draw your cross-section. You must use a scale of
1cm = 100m for the cross-section. Follow the instructions provided in class to complete this task. Include
the following on your cross section: Title (name of your island), labels for all landforms, labels for the
intervals and a proper scale.
☐
PART 4
MODEL BUILDING
Thinking and Inquiry
Application
/20 marks
/10 marks
You will now construct a three dimensional (3-D) model of the area on your topographic map and
contour map. Examples of the landform models will be available in the classroom – but you will have to
decide what material you will use for this project. Your teacher will demonstrate a variety of ways to
build the landform model – one simple way is outlined below.
1. Take a blue sheet of construction paper and cut it out to match the size of the grid provided for this
assignment. This will represent the water surrounding the island. Glue this ‘ocean’ to piece of
cardboard or foam board to form the base of your model. This base should be larger than the grid
pattern so there is room for a title and legend as required.
2. Make a copy of your completed contour map. Take a light green sheet of construction paper and put
it under the copied contour map. Trace the outline of the island with a pencil so the outline appears
2
3.
4.
5.
6.
☐
on the construction paper. Cut out the outline and use it as a base for your model. Glue the island
outline to the cardboard or foam board.
Take another sheet of construction paper (a darker green) and trace out the 100 m contour in the
same manner as step one. Cut it out and use it to trace the 100 m contour onto your cardboard or
foam board. Cut that out as well – glue the construction paper onto the cardboard or foam board.
Position this 100 m piece onto the island outline from part two.
Continue this process until all of the contour lines have been traced, cut and glued. Remember to
use different colours for different elevations. Don’t lose any pieces!
Glue the first layer on the cardboard base. Glue the rest of the layers onto your model in the
approximate locations as shown on the contour map. Your model should clearly show the different
heights of the island.
Locate all the features from your topographic map of the island onto the model. Devise an
appropriate way of showing these and place them in their correct location on your completed
model. Ensure your model has a legend and title.
PART 5
PLANNING
Application
/10 marks
Congratulations! Your Development Consulting Company has been selected by the Island Government to
recommend THREE new activities/developments on the island. The government has provided you with
three general criteria to use when deciding on the new activities: (a) the activities must provide jobs for
people on the island; (b) they should attract visitors/tourists to the island; and (c) they must fit the
natural landscape of the island.
To complete this task you must:
(1) decide upon and select three activities or developments for the island.
(2) provide a rationale for choosing each of the developments
(3) decide where each new development will be located, and
(4) provide the rationale for each of the locations
(5) identify (or create) an appropriate symbol for the new development. The symbols
for the new developments MUST appear on the topographic map (be sure to put
it into the legend) but it is NOT mandatory to include these on the model.
Use your imagination and be creative! Your Planning Proposal should include a proper title and should
be no more than ONE page typed. You can use a 10 or 12 point font and the proposal can be either
single or double spaced. The important aspect of this task is that you rationalize your choices. You must
write using proper paragraph structure. Have someone peer edit your work before you submit your final
project.
Please submit your Planning Proposal with the completed model of the island.
3
Contour Map and Model Rubric
LEVEL 4+
LEVEL 4
LEVEL 3
LEVEL 2
LEVEL 1
Categories
10
KNOWLEDGE AND
UNDERSTANDING
Topographic Map
(Symbols, Legend, All
Mapping Conventions
– including location on
the map.)
10 marks
Contour Map
10 marks
Total:
20 marks
COMMUNICATION
Topographic Map
(Clear, organized,
logical, neat)
10 marks
Cross-section: 10
marks
Total:
20 marks
APPLICATION
Model 10 marks
Planning and
Development
10 marks
Total:
20 marks
THINKING
Model
Total: 20 marks
9.5
9
8.9
8.5
8
7.9
7.5
7
6.9
6.5
6
5.9
5.5
5
The top map
demonstrates
complete
knowledge and
understanding of
mapping
conventions,
legend and
symbols. Symbols
are located
accurately on the
topographic map.
The top map
demonstrates
thorough
knowledge and
understanding of
mapping
conventions,
legends and
symbols. Most
symbols are
located accurately
on the topographic
map.
The top map
demonstrates
considerable
knowledge and
understanding of
mapping
conventions,
legends and
symbols. Many
symbols are located
accurately on the
topographic map.
The top map
demonstrates some
knowledge and
understanding of
mapping
conventions,
legends and
symbols. Some
symbols are
located accurately
on the topographic
map.
The top map
demonstrates
limited knowledge
and understanding
of mapping
conventions,
legends and
symbols. Few
symbols are
located accurately
on the topographic
map.
The contour map is
extremely well
drawn. All rules for
drawing contour
maps have been
followed.
The map organizes
ideas and
information with
absolute
effectiveness. It is
clear, neat and
organized.
The contour map is
well drawn. All
rules for drawing
contour maps have
been followed.
The map organizes
ideas and
information with a
high degree of
effectiveness. It is
clear and
organized.
The contour map is
well drawn. Most of
the rules for
drawing contour
maps have been
followed.
The map organizes
ideas and
information with
considerable
effectiveness. The
map is mostly clear
and organized.
The contour map is
poorly drawn.
Some of the rules
for drawing
contour maps have
been followed.
The map organizes
ideas and
information with
some effectiveness.
The map is
somewhat clear
and organized.
The contour map is
poorly drawn. Very
few of the rules for
drawing contour
maps have been
followed.
The map organizes
ideas and
information with
limited
effectiveness. The
map shows limited
clarity and
organization.
Cross-Section is
very accurate and
includes all
required elements.
Cross-Section is
accurate and
includes all
required elements.
Cross-Section is
mostly accurate
and includes most
required elements.
Cross-Section is
somewhat accurate
and includes some
required elements.
The model is
extremely accurate
and it is very well
constructed.
There is plenty of
evidence of
thoughtful
application of
model building
skills.
The model is
accurate and it is
well constructed.
There is evidence
of thoughtful
application of
model building
skills.
The model is mostly
accurate and it is
well constructed.
There is some
evidence of
thoughtful
application of
model building
skills.
The model is
mostly accurate
but it is poorly
constructed. There
is little evidence of
thoughtful
application of
model building
skills.
Cross-Section
shows limited
accuracy and
includes few or no
required elements.
The model is not
accurate. It is
poorly constructed.
There is little
evidence of
thoughtful
application of
model building
skills.
There is a clear,
logical and creative
rationale for the
selection and
location of the
development
items.
There is a clear,
logical rationale for
the selection and
location of the
development
items.
There is a clear
rationale for the
selection of the
development items.
The location
rationale is not fully
developed.
There is limited
rationale for the
selection of the
development
items. The location
rationale is poorly
developed.
There was no
rationale for the
selection of the
development items
or for their location
on the island.
The model
demonstrates a
very high level of
effective planning
in its design and
presentation.
The model
demonstrates a
high level of
effective planning
in its design and
presentation.
The model
demonstrates a
considerable level
of effective
planning in its
design and
presentation.
The model
demonstrates
some level of
planning in its
design and
presentation.
The model shows
limited prior
planning in its
design and
presentation.
All aspects of the
model show a very
high degree of
creativity.
Most aspects of the
model show a very
high degree of
creativity.
Most aspects of the
model show a
degree of creativity.
A few parts of the
model show some
creativity.
The model shows
limited creativity.
4
Does Not
Meet Criteria
Below 50%
Student has not
met criteria
because
topographic and
contour maps
are missing or
incomplete.
Student has not
met criteria
because
topographic and
contour maps
are missing or
incomplete.
Student has not
met criteria
because the
topographic
and/or cross
section are
missing or
incomplete.
Student has not
met criteria
because the
model and/or
the planning
section are
incomplete or
missing.
Student has not
met criteria
because the
model and/or
the planning
section are
incomplete or
missing.
Student has not
met criteria
because model
is incomplete or
missing
evaluation
criteria.
Learning Skills Focus
The learning skills focus for this task will be on responsibility and organization. Complete the following
self-assessment of your learning skills throughout this task before you submit your work. Your teacher
will review your self- assessment and provide you with additional feedback.
Responsibility:
I completed class work, homework and assignments
with care.
I submitted all parts of the assignment on time.
I took responsibility for and managed my own behaviour.
Organization:
I came to class with necessary materials for work periods
I kept my notes, maps and models tidy, complete
and in order.
I routinely planned ahead and managed my time to meet deadlines.
5
Self-Assessment
Teacher
N S G E
N S G E
N S G E
N S G E
N S G E
N S G E
N S G E
N S G E
N S G E
N S G E
N S G E
N S G E