Explore the fundamentals of topography by creating a simple topographic map. First, sculpt a mountain out of craft clay, then poke two holes with a pencil or skewer through the mountain, from the top, and use a piece of dental floss to slice the mountain into 1-inch-thick horizontal slices. Trace the slices, using the holes to line up each piece in the correct direction. This activity teaches students the basics of topography, knowledge that can be used in a variety of more in-depth topographic activities.
Graph a topographic profile using either an existing topographic map or a topographic map that you create yourself. To graph a topographic profile, draw a straight line across a topographic map, noting the map lines that cross your line and the elevation at each point. Use the data you gather to create a graph of the line you drew across the map. Connect the dots to view what the landscape as if half of the land were cut away. This activity, combined with creating topographic maps, allows students to better understand the three-dimensional aspect of topography.
Create a three-dimensional model of a landscape using a topographic map as a guideline. Use cardboard, craft foam or clay to create slices of land, starting at the lowest elevations and working up to the higher elevations. Once the landscape is complete, smooth out the clay edges, or use papier mache to smooth out the sharp edges of cardboard or craft foam, to view the landscape. Creating models from topographic maps allows students to explore topography procedures from a new perspective and helps students better understand how to read topographic maps.
Creating topographic maps is not limited to geography or geology lessons; topographic maps can be used in a wide range of other academic disciplines. Reading and creating topographic maps can be used to illustrate mathematical principles, as research projects for the location of historical events, or as a field activity for biology or ecology students studying particular habitats or ecosystems. Integrating topography into other classroom activities adds diversity to lesson plans and helps keep students academically stimulated.