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Students learn about topographic maps, including contour maps, by collecting data from a 3D model of a landform to create a contour map. Then the teacher provides direct instruction on contour map features, creating profiles, and calculating gradient, and students create profiles and calculate gradients for the contour map they created during the explore phase. Finally, students match typical geographical features to representations on a contour map and extend their thinking by identifying erosional processes on a contour map.

The Regents Item Bank provides questions from past Regents exams aligned with the content of this unit.

Students test out their ideas and misconceptions about topographic by applying their thinking to a new problem: Contour Map/Geographical Feature Card Sort.