Topic: Topography Activity Title: Topsy-turvy Maps
Grade Level/Course: 8th grade Time Frame: 1 class period
Contributors: Marty Mills, Brenda Ritz, Dawn Warren, Linda Webb
Overview: This activity will demonstrate the correlation of land features to topographic maps such as those of the ocean floor.
TEKS Correlation: 2a – 2e, 3c, 3e, 4b, 4c, 5a, 5b
Goals and Objectives: Students will use the data analyzer and motion detector to collect data and measure distances. The graphing calculator will be used to show the profile of the simulated land features. They will create topographic maps drawn to scale of a given setup and relate the concepts to the creation of historical ocean maps.
Prerequisite Skills/Knowledge: Students will have to know how to use the data collector and motion detector as well as understand map scale.
Materials/Equipment/Resources: Data analyzer, motion detector, program link FA 122, graphing calculator, variety of boxes or different shaped containers, moveable cart (overhead or TV cart) metric ruler, plain white paper, pencil
Instructional Activities/Strategies:
  1. Arrange the containers to simulate surface features.
  2. Attach the motion detector to a fixed height on a moveable cart. (Minimum height will be 0.5 meters, maximum height 18 meters)
  3. Program the data collector and motion detector to collect data at 100 msec intervals.
  4. Measure the distance between lowest point of the containers to the motion detector, this will be the zero reference point.
  5. Roll the cart so that the motion detector passes over the containers recording data. Collect data.
  6. Connect the data collector to the graphing calculator and transfer data to the graphing calculator to show the profile of the containers.
  7. Print graph to show profile of collected data.
  8. Draw topographic map of represented area.
  9. Draw conclusions and complete lab activity sheet.
Assessment: Draw topographic map using correct scale and contour interval to represent the simulated land features.
Teaching Suggestions/Extensions: Study of the moon and planet surface profiles