Reading the Landscape: Understanding Contour Lines

Post-Visit Activity

Objective

Students learn to read contour lines like those on topographic maps by doing a matching exercise. 

Background

Do "Make a Mountain" Post-Visit Activity first 

Materials

•  Understanding Contour Lines Worksheet
• Pencils

Procedure

1.  This activity must follow "Make a Mountain" Post-Visit Activity.

2.  Pass out the activity sheet. Have the students study the silhouettes and contour lines.  Then have them match each silhouette with its correct contour configuration by writing the letter of the mountain next to the matching contour drawing.  Answers 1-D, 2-C, 3-B, 4-E, 5-F, 6-A.

3.  Variation:  Copy only the silhouettes.  Students should then draw the contour lines for each mountain as seen from above.

4.  Variation:  Copy only the contour diagrams.  Students draw the silhouette of the respective mountains.