Topographical Map Lesson
Topographical Map Lesson
Grade/Age level: 4
Date: 4/9/2012
Teacher Focus: Eye contact, Enthusiasm, taming the nerves, voice projection. We will focus on using good voice and moving around
Scenario: Students have explored different types of maps and have a good understanding on how to use them. They will use their map
skills to convert a 2 D Topographical map to a 3D play dough map. This lesson is the lead into learning about different regions. 17 Students.
Iowa Core Curriculum Standards and/or Benchmarks: Geography Content Standard 3-5 Grade: Understand how geographic
and human characteristics create culture and define regions. Benchmark: Understand the physical characteristics of the regions
Learning Targets
TLW will demonstrate their understanding of the US regions by creating a 3D topographical map of the geographic regions in the US. TLW demonstrate their understanding of Topographical maps by converting a 2D map into a 3D map. TLW gain an understanding of the different landforms found in the United States by building topographical maps and having a group discussion in class.
Success Criteria
I can create a 3D topographical map of the regions of the US. I can use my map skills to create a legend. I know about different types of land in the U.S. I know about the different regions of the U.S.
b) Steps:
We will build a class legend. Note: It is important to have a common legend Students will be broken up into 5 groups. Each group will draw the region they will explore. Groups will then begin to create their map of the region assigned making sure to use labeling we discussed as class. After creating their map students will find a place they would like to visit or have visited in that region and mark it on the map. 15 Min. After the students have finished their maps, each group will take turns placing their map under the overhead camera and tell the rest of the class what they discovered about their region. Questions to pose to individual groups: Why do we only need one color of play dough? Do you know what the difference is between the Rocky Mountains and the Appellations? What is the major rivers that flow through your region? How do you think the life styles of people will be different in this region compared to other regions, like for example the Midwest? What do you think the population is in the mountains? Near the rivers? Do you think the landforms influenced people to live in certain areas? Why or why not? What do you think it is like to live in the mountains?
c) Closure After the students have finished their maps, each group will take turns placing their map under the overhead camera and
tell the rest of the class what they discovered about their region. What are some things we could change? Repeat some questions above to the whole class. Each group will talk about what they found in their region. Lead into next lesson on cultures and how the physical geography of the regions influences cultures. 3 Min d) Assessment Student will put the regions together, like a puzzle. Mountains, rivers and plains should match up. The puzzle map will be used through out the region where we will continue to add things to them. 2 min
Teacher Reflection: