Which
Way Did They Go?
Distance and Direction with Topographic Maps
Which
Way Did They Go?
Subjects: Social Studies, Science, Math
Learner Outcomes:
1. The student will demonstrate
how to determine direction from one point to another on a topographic map
using a home-made compass.
2. The student will determine
distance between 2 points on a topographic map.
3. The student will apply knowledge
of distance and direction to create a map.
Duration of lesson: 50-60 minutes
Materials: Topographic maps, circles cut from tracing paper, pencils, drawing paper, colored pencils
Technology Tools: Calculators, Computer with internet access and projection device.
Procedures:
1. Distribute tracing
paper circles to each student. Direct students to neatly fold the
paper in half four times, creating 16 sections. Each fold will be
labeled clockwise in the following order: N, NNE, NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE,
SSE, S, SSW, SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, NNW. Also label each fold in degrees.
Begin with 22 1/2 degrees at NNE, and add 22 1/2 degrees for each fold
as you go clockwise to N at 360 degrees. Students may use calculators.
2. Working in pairs, students will take turns choosing starting points and destinations on their topographic map and determining the direction to be traveled (bearing). The center of the circle will be placed on the starting point, and the North / South meridian will be turned parallel to the nearest N / S meridian on the map. Students will then read the paper circle (compass) to determine direction or degrees.
3. Students will work in pairs to determine distance between start and destination points by copying the map bar scale on the edge of a piece of paper and using this home-made ruler to measure crow flight distances on the map.
4. Give each student a sheet of 9 x 12 drawing paper and colored pencils. Direct them to mark N, S, E, and W on the sides of the paper and with a ruler, lightly draw a few N / S meridians. Map scale will be 1:62,500 (1 inch to 1 mile). Provide written directions or slowly dictate the lay of the land for an imaginary place. Students will construct a map using topographic map symbols and application of distance and direction components of this lesson. Compare and display finished products.
- Draw a highway from the NE corner
to the SW corner of the map.
- Draw a church W of the highway, in
the middle of the map.
- Draw a cemetery W of the church.
- Draw a school E of the highway, 3
miles NE of the church.
- Draw an orchard 2-1/2 miles NNW of
the school.
- Draw a pond 1/2 mile WSW of the orchard.
- Draw a trail from the pond to the
orchard.
- Put a spring 4 miles NW of the church.
- Draw a stream that travels 3 miles
ENE to the pond.
- Draw a trail around the pond with
a foot bridge over the stream.
- Begin at the highway on the south
side of the school. Draw an unimproved dirt road that travels 157-1/2 degrees
to the edge of the paper.
Modifications: Modifications will be made based on those listed in the student's IEP.
Enrichment Activities:
1. Determine length of
step by measuring a 200 foot course. Walk it twice and divide number
of steps into 400 ft. Also determine "double-step" by counting each
time you put left (or right) foot down. Practice measuring and computing
distances on the school grounds using steps or double-steps.
2. Create a map of a given
area - to scale.
3. For extra practice
with cardinal directions, label the walls in your classroom N, S, E, and
W. Then ask students such questions as who sits south of a particular
child or which classroom lies east of your room.
4. Use a compass with
a map to follow a self-determined orienteering course.
Assessment:
Ongoing assessment will be used during lesson, and the following rubric
will be used.
| 4=Excellent | Positive participation
Worked cooperatively Followed procedures Correctly determined direction to be traveled from start to destination Correctly determined distance between 2 points on a map Followed directions to create a neat and accurate map. |
| 3=Above average | Positive participation
Worked cooperatively Followed procedures Correctly determined direction to be traveled from start to destination Correctly determined distance between 2 points on a map Followed directions to create a map. |
| 2=Average | Positive participation
Worked cooperatively Followed procedures Correctly determined direction to be traveled from start to destination Correctly determined distance between 2 points on a map Attempted to follow directions to create a map. |
| 1=Below average | Minimal participation
Worked cooperatively Attempted to follow procedures Attempted to determine direction to be traveled from start to destination Attempted to determine distance between 2 points on a map Created an inaccurate map. |
| 0=Unsatisfactory | Did not participate
Did not work cooperatively Did not follow procedures Did not determine direction to be traveled from start to destination Did not determine distance between 2 points on a map Did not create a map. |
Alignment with West Virginia Instructional Goals and Objectives:
Science - 6.16, 6.20, 6.22, 7.16, 7.17, 7.81, 8.11, 8.20
Social Studies - 6.26, 6.27, 6.60, 7.25, 7.26, 7.60, 7.68, 8.55
Math - 6.6, 6.10, 6.19, 6.30, 6.45, 6.47, 6.49, 7.11, 7.19, 8.48, 8.50, 8.90
References:
Kjellstrom,
B. (1976). Be expert with map and compass. New York: Scribners.
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| Lesson 1 | Lesson 2 | Lesson 3 | Lesson 4 | Lesson 5 | Lesson 6 |