Topic:  Topographical maps: Contour Lines

Concept: Representation of elevation in 2 dimensions

Skill: Read and interpret contour lines on a map.

Objective: Students will be able to identify features of the land by deciphering contour lines on a map.

Lesson activity: (materials needed: one map for each pair of students)

 Whole group activity with overheads of various land formations and their equivalent representation by contour lines.  I will conduct an activity in which I lead the students on a path through the map and they reply to questions about what type of land formations they are encountering and whether they are going up or down hill.  Each pair of students will complete a contour quiz.  This will be graded in class so that I can make sure the students understand contour lines.  Each pair of students will then complete a contour worksheet on which they locate specific land formations on their map by longitude and latitude.  For instance, they will need to find a cliff, a valley, a mountain peak, a ridge line, etc.  Then we will go outside and each student will draw a topographical representation of a nearby land formation. We will then go back to the classroom so students can compare their drawings with the actual representation from the map.  End with a discussion about topographic features.

Diagnostic Assessment:  Have students match topographical representations of different hills with silhouette drawings.

Formative Assessment:  How are students doing with the land formation worksheet?

Summative Assessment: Personal drawings of a local land formation.

Grading:  Participation will be noted as in lesson 1.  The contour worksheet will be turned in to be graded (25 points).

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