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Topography: Know the topography of your neighborhood


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Keywords: topography
Subject(s): Video, Technology, Geography, Podcasting, Earth Science, Photography, Social Studies, Science, History
Grades 6 through 8
School: Robert Louis Stevenson Mid Sch, Los Angeles, CA
Planned By:
Original Author: E DeL, Los Angeles
1. Introduce students to the concept of Topography by showing them pictures/ videotape of topographic maps and the area or place the map represent: This is for the students to start making connections between the maps and the actual area (neighborhood).
2. Introduce Vocabulary words and definitions: Topography, elevation, contour lines, high elevation, low elevation, steep, flat, hill, mountain.
3. Provide students with sample topographic map(s) and show them what each vocabulary word represents on the map. 4. Have students label each vocabulary word on the sample map(s)
5. Show students how to read the elevation on the sample topographic map using contour lines of a few sample places or area ( given by the teacher)
6. Ask students to find a few more sample places or area on their own.
7. Check to see if students are able to recognize the elevation using the topographic map: Check for understanding as a whole class or individually and also provide assistant as needed.
8. After students are able to recognize the sample elevations show them topographical maps of their neighborhood and discuss the area and its elevation(s): Teacher focus discussion on the differences or similarities of the land in their neighborhood
9. Ask students to predict (based) on their map readings which places are going to have higher or lower elevation(s), which are stepper, flat, and have hills or mountains.
10. Now students are ready to go out walking on their neighborhood and take pictures or video record the area: Again focusing on the differences and similarities of the land.
10. After their walk is done: Students look at their pictures or videotape and analyze their findings as well compare them to their predictions.
11. Now your students learn to read a topographic map and see how these maps are a true representation of an area

Comments
some of the items are a one time use only so i have ordered extras..
some of the items can be reuse
some of the items can be use in multiple subjects
Cross-Curriculum Ideas
Reading maps in history/ geography class...
Creating own topographic maps
Creating a powerpoint on topographic maps
Calculating elevations in math class
creating a videocast
Follow-Up
Class discussion on their findings:
Students will present their finding orally as well written through a powerpoint presentation.
Students will display their data ( findings) and their photos/ videos
Students will be Test on Reading a Topographic Map
Students will Videocast their presentation
Students will teach other students how to read Topographic maps
Materials: Whiteboards, Mobile Labs, Flip Video, Digital Cameras, CDs and DVDs, Printers, Flash/USB Drives, LCD Monitors, Middle, Social Studies
Other Items: 1 Whiteboard, $3000 each, total of $3000.00
1 mobile lab, $25000 each, total of $25000.00
15 flip video 60 min, $2100 each, total of $31500.00
15 digital cameras, $3000 each, total of $45000.00
1 tablet, $300 each, total of $300.00
100 cds / dvd, $100 each, total of $10000.00
30 usb flash drive, $300 each, total of $9000.00
100 batteries, $300 each, total of $30000.00
1 lcd monitor, $600 each, total of $600.00
1 set of digital topographic software, $100 each, total of $100.00