Purpose:

Where is wilderness and how are our wilderness areas described with modern maps? Students will learn how to read topographic maps while discovering the extent of designated wilderness in the U.S. (Including their own region/state).

Materials:

Metric ruler or tape; On-Line Computer, WildLink Website; topographic map (Preferably a 7.5 minute map which includes your school) [Available from the U.S. Geological Survey or a local sporting goods or mountaineering/backpacking store]. Maps are also available on-line at Terraserver or Topozone.

Duration: 2-4 class periods of 40-55 min. per period.

California Standards:

• California Science Framework-Earth Sciences
• Introductory "Topographic Maps" (Scale and Structure- Natural Resources and Geology)

Introduction/Background:

In order for your students to begin to appreciate wilderness, they need to make some personal connections; i.e.- Where is wilderness located in relation to my home? How vast is the wilderness in my state? And, how can I read/interpret scale maps of wilderness areas without fear of getting lost?)

Directions/Activities:

1) (20 minutes) have your students read the provided short story, "Where the Heck is Crazy Mule Gulch?". Then discuss how the ranger was able to determine the lost victim's exact locations with the help of a topo map.

2) (45 minutes) Have students locate wilderness map web page. Using the site as a resource, students should complete the "National Wilderness Preservation System Map" and "State/Regional Wilderness Areas" handouts provided.

*Possible Response:

Responses will vary according to your area.

3) (45 minutes) Have students read and discuss student Information A, "Rules for Topographic Maps." Throughout this discussion, display Teacher Figure #1, Typical Topographic Map Detail, as an overhead transparency, and use this map to illustrate the rules covered. They should then complete the questions at the end of the section.

*Possible Answers:

1. A Contour Line is used to show elevation on a topo map. Each point on a contour line represents the same elevation.

2. The Contour Interval is crucial as it reveals the slope of an area or the elevation change between successive contour lines.

3. By the distance between successive contour lines- (close = steep terrain/ widely spaced = shallow terrain .)

4. Elevation, Distance.

5. Benchmark and spot elevations provide the reacer with a precise reference point.

6. Depressions are represented by "Hatchure Lines" which point in toward the center from a contour line.

7. (Answer will vary by area)

8. In the construction of a reservoir, topo maps will reveal potential water level; topo maps can also help predict flood danger in areas of a community.

4) (45 minutes) Hand out copies of topographic maps which include your school (or have students locate web site of topo maps of school area). Have students complete Student Assessment A-1. Evaluate student responses.

*Possible Response: Responses will vary according to map used.

Evaluation:

As a closure/evaluation project, have students prepare a topographic map of a small section of their school campus (or their own neighborhoods), complete with accurate map symbols, etc. [avoid flat areas].