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Worksheet
Curated OER

Topographic Mapping Skills

For Students 5th - 9th
In this geography worksheet, students read an excerpt about topographic maps and why they are useful for various jobs. They also respond to eleven questions that follow related to the excerpt and locating specific map points on the map...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mapping Deep-Sea Habitat

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students create a two-dimensional topographic map and a 3-D model of landforms.  In this creative activity students create 2 and 3-D objects and learn how to interpret the data from these things. 
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Website
US Geological Survey

United States Geological Survey: Topographic Maps

For Students 9th - 10th
"Note: The information on this page is being retained for technical and historical reference only. The site is not under active maintenance and may include expired information and outdated links." This site gives an overview of the...
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Website
US Geological Survey

U.s. Geological Survey

For Students 9th - 10th
The U.S. Geological Survey reports on the latest news affecting the earth today, as well as providing a wealth of data, reports, and information.
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Activity
Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments: Jason: Topographic Maps What Can They Tell Us?

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Rainforests at the Crossroads: Explore the topographic map of Barro Colorado Island (BCI); find the elevations of different locations and how far apart they are. Also determine the steepness of the land by observing the contour lines on...
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Activity
Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments: Jason: Make a Topographic Map

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Rainforests at the Crossroads: Make a topographic map of a simulated terrain, which consists of your classroom floor and two boxes of different sizes.
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Lesson Plan
National Association of Geoscience Teachers

Nagt: Crate Lake Map Assignment

For Teachers 5th - 7th
This exercise gives young scholars a chance to compare a topographic map with a 3D map, and then use the maps to answer questions. The questions highlight student gains using 3D to interpret surface features.
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Unit Plan
CK-12 Foundation

Ck 12: Earth Science: Topographic and Geologic Maps

For Students 9th - 10th
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] How to use topographic and geologic maps.
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Lesson Plan
American Geosciences Institute

American Geosciences Institute: Earth Science Week: Map Making Basics

For Teachers 6th - 8th
This activity will help students discover some features as they create a geologic map.
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Graphic
Other

Usgs: The National Map: Us Topographical Map

For Students 9th - 10th
Use this map to explore the topography of the United States.
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Interactive
Other

Ontario Topographic Map

For Students 9th - 10th
Features a topographical map of Ontario. Click on different options to edit the map.
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Unit Plan
Enchanted Learning

Enchanted Learning: Topographic Map Activity

For Students 3rd - 8th
An activity to practice interpreting contours.
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Website
Other

Topo Zone: Free Usgs Topo Maps for the Entire United States

For Students 9th - 10th
A huge collection of topographic maps for each of the US states. Scroll down to see a map of the United States and click on the state you are interested in. From there, you can search for a particular location, choose a featured map, or...
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Handout
CK-12 Foundation

Ck 12: Earth Science: Maps Study Guide

For Students 9th - 10th
Get an overview of different types of Earth Science maps.
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Activity
Math Science Nucleus

Math Science Nucleus: Topographic Maps

For Students 3rd - 5th
For a picture of a topographical map, go to this page. There is some information to help you understand what they are.