9.26.12/9.27.12 Topographic Maps

Agenda:

• Topographic map notes:  Students work in a packet that discusses how to read topographic maps, including calculating gradient.  
• Play-doh Topo Lab - students make a contour map from a sculpted mountain.  

Do Now answers from 9.23/9.24: Question -   Look at the two coordinates below.  Which one is located closer to the equator? Explain how you know.  
Point A:  75〫S, 5〫W
Point B: 30〫N, 105〫W

Answer:  Point B is closer to the equator, because the lower the latitude (the N/S coordinate), the closer it is to 0 degrees, which is the equator.  

Today's Objective:  

• Students will correctly interpret contour maps including:  contour interval, gradient, and stream flow.  
• Students will accurately construct a contour map