Bluebook:Topography

Objective: to construct a topographic map

Purpose: This will help you read a map when hiking or driving in elevated areas.

Let’s Go Mountain Climbing!

How would you generate a plan to climb a mountain?

Topographic Maps

Special marks on topographic maps called contour lines mark elevation.The closer the lines; the steeper the slope.

Mt. St. Helens

Let’s Experiment!

We are going to construct a topographic map of a mountain model.

STEP 1: Build your mountain

Use the play dough to build a mountain.The sides do not have to be of equal slope, but the peak must not be higher than the top of the container.

STEP 2: Mark Container

Use the metric side of the ruler and mark 1 cm intervals on the outside of the container.Mark a North (N), South (S), East (E), and West (W).

STEP 3: Mountain under Glass

Place the mountain in one end of the container.Cover the mountain end of the container with the Plexiglas.

STEP 4: Zero Mark

BEFORE adding water, use the marker to outline the base of your mountain on the Plexiglas.

STEP 5: Add WaterUsing the graduated cylinder, add water until it reaches the 1cm mark.

STEP 6: First Elevation Mark

Use your marker to draw your 2nd contour line on the Plexiglas. This is your first elevation mark.

STEP 7: Continue Contour

Repeat Steps 5 and 6 until the top of the mountain is covered.Every time you add water, mark your contour line.

STEP 8: The PeakWhen you reach the peak of your mountain (the mountain is covered in water), remove the Plexiglas from the box.In PENCIL, trace the map onto paper.

STEP 9: Finishing Up

Erase small breaks in the contour lines.Add a scale in the space you made.Each centimeter equals 100 meters.

CLEAN UP…Pour out the water and dry your area.Wipe off the marks on the box and the Plexiglas for the next group.Staple the map to the back of your lab write up.