Title
Activity: Interpreting Contour Maps
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices
NGSS Crosscutting Concepts
NGSS Disciplinary Core Ideas
Table of Contents
Materials
- Table 7.6
- Figs. 7.30 through Fig. 7.38
- Paper
- Colored pencils or crayons
Procedure
- Read the descriptions of features listed in Table 7.6.
- Refer to Table 7.6 as you identify features shown on the contour maps, Figs. 7.30 through Fig. 7.38.
- Examine each map to determine whether sea level, the zero (0) elevation contour line, is given. If it is, mark it with a colored pencil.
- Locate the contour lines of dry landform features—those with elevations above sea level. Using crayons or colored pencils, color-code the map to show differences in elevation. Save blue for seafloor contours.
- Locate the contour lines of features below sea level—those shown as negative numbers. Color-code the map in shades of blue to show differences in depth.
- Study the shapes of the contour lines, then identify and label features on the maps.
Activity Questions
- What feature(s) were displayed on each of the contour maps?
- Were there any maps where it was difficult to identify the feature(s)? What additional information would you need to determine their identity?
- Form hypotheses to explain how each of the features in the contour maps formed. How might these features change over time?
- Think of an example of a place that fulfills the definition of more than one of the features in Table 7.6. Explain the reasoning for your choice.
- How are the following pairs alike and different?
- atoll and lagoon
- strait and sound
- isthmus and peninsula
- continental shelf and continental slope
- What is the importance of seafloor features to
- navigation?
- economics or society-building?
- archaeology?
- fisheries or other natural resources?
