Making and Interpreting Topographic Maps

Grades 6-12.

This activity provides students with a basic understanding of topographic maps and how to interpret them. Students conduct a hands-on investigation using the Lab-Aids Topographic Model to construct contour lines and create a topographic map of an area. The activity illustrates the relationship between the contour lines on a topographic map and the actual shape of the land. Designed for six groups of 4, or at most five, students.