SHS1 Geography · Semester 2 Week 4: Maps, Their Elements and Analyses

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 1.2.1.LI.2 - Read and interpret contours on maps

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Define contours and state at least three characteristics of contour lines on a map.
Identify and describe the contour patterns for the major relief features: hills, ridges, valleys, spurs, and depressions.
Interpret the spacing of contours to determine the nature of slopes: gentle, steep, concave, and convex.
Read contour values on a topographical map to calculate the height of a point and the difference in height between two points (vertical interval).
Justify, with reasoning from contour evidence, why one location on a map is more suitable than another for a given land use activity.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Navigating Our Environment (Strand 2)
Sub-strand: Maps, Their Elements and Analyses (2.1)
Content standard: 1.2.1.CS.2 - 1.2.1.CS.2 Demonstrate knowledge and skills of representing relief features on maps 1.2.1.LO.2 Evaluate the various methods of representing relief features on maps
Indicator: 1.2.1.LI.2 - Read and interpret contours on maps
Suggested placement: Semester 2, Week 4 (Week 24 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 44

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Activity-based learning: In small mixed-ability groups of learners from different relief areas, represent or draw the various relief features on a map using given relief data, with emphasis on using contours to represent the nature or types of slopes considering the diverse physiographic settings of the members. In the group, all learners should be aware of the emotions of all members, especially the vulnerable ones.

Assessment (1.2.1.AS.2). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 4 Extended critical thinking and reasoning.

Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Use topographical maps, atlas and Google Earth and mathematical instruments to learn the types and construction of scales.