Activity Overview
Rainforests at the Crossroads: Make a topographic map of a simulated terrain, which consists of your classroom floor and two boxes of different sizes.
Before the Activity
See the attached teacher document (pdf file) for notes and guidelines for this activity.
Print and copy the attached activity document and research article (pdf files) for your class. The research article is in the during the activity section below.
During the Activity
Students will:
Learn how to make a topographic map
Prepare a simulated terrain
Use a Motion Detector connected to a TI CBL 2™
, or Vernier LabPro and a TI-73 Explorer™
, to measure the elevation of specific points on each surface
Plot the coordinates of these points, and learn how to connect points of equal elevation to make a topographic map
Directions
Distribute the activity document and research article to your class
Read and discuss the research article
Follow the activity procedures outlined in the student document
After the Activity
Students complete the data analysis section of the activity
Discuss the results of the data analysis with your students