Geography Lesson Plans

Contour Maps

One idea I use to reinforce contour maps is to create and draw fantasy islands. I start by pairing up students and giving each pair 5 different colors of clay. They create a fantasy island, with the shape and height of their choosing. Once this is done, they will need to draw both a vertical (overhead view) and a cross section (profile) map of their island and then color it with colored pencils. They will need to measure the length, width, and height of the island, as well as the thickness of every layer of clay. For each map have them make a key, scale, title it and of course add a compass rose.. Students love this project and the maps look really great!
Submitted by: Anna Skiba