Now booking discovery calls for the 2026–27 school year: Reserve a time →

Preview the Program

See what a Lab Rascals lesson feels like, before you commit to anything.

Watch a real investigation unfold, look inside a sample lesson, and get a feel for the energy your students would walk into.

Book a Discovery Call

Download the Brochure

Look inside the lesson

History of The Earth
Lesson 4: Map It!

Take a peek inside a real Grade 2 lesson. Tap any material to flip through the actual pages.

Slide from the Lesson 4 Map It classroom presentation

ENGAGE

●What different landscapes have you seen orvisited? (Mountains? Plains? Cliffs? Rivers? Tell us about it!)

●What information can maps tell us?

●How do you think maps help us understand Earth’s history?

EXPLAIN

What can maps show us about the landscape?

Maps can show different features of the land, such as mountains, valleys, and rivers.Topographicmapsshow the height and shape of the land.

The word TOPOGRAPHY has Greek origins!

-Topos means "place"

-Graph means “writing”

These maps use lines to represent different heights of the land!

VOCABULARY

Elevation-How high something is above the level of the sea.

Map- A drawing or picture that shows features of an area.

Landform- A natural feature of the Earth's surface, such as a mountain or valley.

Mountain- A high, raised part of the Earth's surface.

Valley- A low area between hills or mountains, often with a river running through it.

EXPLAIN

What is a topographic map?

A topographic map uses lines to show the elevation and shape of the land.

Each line on a topographic map represents a specific elevation level.

Closer lines indicate more steep areas, while wider spaced lines indicate more flat areas.

EXPLORE

How can we make a 3-D model of the land?

Materials:

●Printed topographic map

●Several colors of modeling clay or play doh

●Rolling pin (or dowel, water bottle, or flat object to roll clay)

●Paper plate

●Plastic disposable knife

EXPLORE

Directions:

Today you will create a 3-D model of a landscape using a topographic map template and modeling clay. Let's map it!

Before you start:

-What do you think your model will look like when it's finished?

-How might the lines on the map help you shape your model?

How can we make a 3-D model of the land?

EXPLORE

Directions:

How can we make a 3-D model of the land?

Place the printed topographic map template on a flat surface.

Use the rolling pin to flatten the modeling clay.

Cut out pieces of clay to match the shapes on the topographic map. Use a different color for each layer.

Stack the clay pieces on a paper plate to create a 3-D model.

Use the plastic knife to shape and smooth the clay.

Sketch your clay creation in your lab notebook.

EXPLAIN

Topographic maps help us understand the shape and height of the land.

By creating a 3-D model, we can see how different landforms look in real life.

-Recording landforms on maps helps scientists see how they change over time.

-Maps can show changes in the landscape caused by natural events like earthquakes and floods.

-Mapping is an important tool for planning and protecting natural resources.

What can we learn fromtopographicmaps?

ELABORATE

What other types of maps do geologists use?

Geologists use several types of maps to study the Earth.

●Geologic Maps:Show the types and ages of rocks and the locations of faults.

●Resource Maps:Indicate where natural resources like minerals, oil, and water are found.

●Hazard Maps:Highlight areas prone to natural disasters like earthquakes, landslides, and floods.

Each type of map helps geologists understand different aspects of the Earth and its history.

TECHNOLOGY CONNECTION

What is the topography where you live?

Use online resources to explore topographic maps near you!

Explore the websites below:

ArcGIS online

National Geographic Map Database

Look for landforms near where you live.

Record information in your lab notebook about the geology near you!

Answer the following questions in your lab notebook:

●What interesting landforms or features did you see when exploring the map databases?

●Why do you think these maps are more complicated than the map we used today?

THE BIG IDEA

OTHER MAPS

Geologists also use other types of maps like geologic maps, which show different types of rocks and faults, and resource maps, which show where important resources like water and minerals are found. These maps help geologists learn more about the Earth and how to use its resources wisely.

TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS

Topographic maps show the height and shape of the land using lines. These lines help us see where the land is flat and where it is hilly or mountainous. They are like a 3-D model on a flat piece of paper.

USING MAPS

Geologists use topographic maps to study the land and understand its features. These maps help them find out how high mountains are, how deep valleys go, and where different landforms are located.

ENRICHMENT

How are topographic maps made?

Topographic maps are created by combining lots of information!

Aerial Photography:

Photos taken from airplanes or drones help map the shape of the land.

Satellite Imagery:

Satellites capture detailed images and data about the Earth's surface from space.

Surveying:

Scientists measure the land’s elevation and features using tools like GPS and laser rangefinders.

Image: geo-matching.com

Image: serc.carlton.edu

Image: Satellite Prome

EVALUATE

●What is atopographicmap? Can you explain what the different lines mean?

●Why dogeologistsuse topographic maps? What can they tell us?

●What other maps dogeologistsuse in their work?

Camp - HISTORY OF EARTH - Lesson 4 - Instructions

Lab Activity: Map It!

Materials:

Printed topographic map
Several colors of modeling clay or play doh
Rolling pin (or dowel, water bottle, or flat object to roll clay)
Paper plate
Plastic disposable knife

Steps:

Place the printed topographic map template on a flat surface.
Use the rolling pin to flatten the modeling clay.
Cut out pieces of clay to match the shapes on the topographic map. Use a different color for each layer.
Stack the clay pieces on a paper plate to create a 3-D model.
Use the plastic knife to shape and smooth the clay.
Sketch your clay creation in your lab notebook.

Diagram from the Lesson 4 Map It teacher guide

Camp - HISTORY OF EARTH - Lesson 4 - Teacher Guide

NGSS Standard:

2-ESS2-2: Develop a model to represent the shapes and kinds of land and bodies of water in an area.
2-ESS1-1: Use information from several sources to provide evidence that Earth events can occur quickly or slowly.

Technology Standard:

ISTE.1.4.d Open-Ended Problems
Students exhibit a tolerance for ambiguity, perseverance and the capacity to work with open-ended problems

Technology Resource:

ArcGIS online
National Geographic Map Database

Lab Activity: Map It!

Lesson Objectives: After this lab activity, students will be able to:

Use a topographic map to create a 3D model.
Explain how geologists use topographic maps.
Describe at least one other type of map that geologists use.

Connecting to the Standard:

This lesson connects to NGSS standard 2-ESS2-2 by engaging students in developing a 3-D model to represent the shapes and kinds of landforms using topographic maps and modeling clay. By constructing these models, students learn to visualize and understand the physical features of the Earth's surface, like mountains, valleys, rivers, and cliffsides. Additionally, the lesson aligns with standard 2-ESS1-1 by encouraging students to use information from topographic maps to provide evidence of how landscapes change over time, whether quickly through events like landslides or slowly through processes like erosion. These activities help students grasp the concept of modeling landforms and interpreting changes in the Earth’s surface, the foundations to these two standards.

Teacher Background Information

Topographic maps are a type of map that represents the Earth's surface in three dimensions. They use contour lines to show elevation and the shape of the land. Each contour line connects points of equal elevation, and the spacing of these lines indicates the steepness of the terrain. Closer lines mean a steeper slope, while wider lines indicate a flatter area. Topographic maps are essential tools for geologists, surveyors, engineers, and outdoor enthusiasts. They help in understanding the physical features of a landscape, planning construction projects, navigating hiking trails, and studying geological formations.

Geologists use topographic maps to analyze the Earth's surface and understand the geological processes that shape it. These maps provide detailed information about the height and shape of landforms, helping geologists identify areas of interest for further study. For example, topographic maps can reveal the presence of faults, the flow patterns of rivers, and the distribution of different types of rocks. By studying these features, geologists can make predictions about natural hazards, locate valuable mineral resources, and reconstruct the geological history of an area. Topographic maps are also used in environmental conservation to identify and protect important landforms and ecosystems.

In addition to topographic maps, geologists use various other types of maps to study the Earth. Geologic maps show the distribution, nature, and age of rock formations at the surface. These maps help geologists understand the geological history of an area and identify resources like minerals and fossil fuels. Resource maps indicate the locations of natural resources such as water, minerals, and energy reserves, guiding exploration and extraction efforts. Hazard maps highlight areas prone to natural disasters like earthquakes, landslides, and floods, helping in disaster preparedness and mitigation. Each type of map provides specific information that helps geologists comprehensively understand and manage the Earth's resources and hazards.

Engage:

Ask the questions below to engage students and elicit their prior knowledge about this lab’s topics.

What different landscapes have you seen or visited? (Mountains? Plains? Cliffs? Rivers? Tell us about it!) Answers may vary; I visited the mountains during summer vacation. They were very tall and had lots of trees.
What information can maps tell us? Maps can show us where places are and what the land looks like, like if there are mountains or rivers.
How do you think maps help us understand Earth’s history? Maps can show how the land has changed over time, like where rivers used to be or how mountains have formed.

Explore:

Ask the questions below as students complete the lab activity.

What do you think your model will look like when it's finished? I think my model will look like a small version of a mountain with different layers of colors.
How might the lines on the map help you shape your model? The lines show where the land goes up and down, so they help me know where to put each layer of clay.
Why do you think these maps are useful to geologists? These maps help geologists see how high and low the land is and find out where different landforms are.

Explain:

Students may not know all of these answers immediately, but the slides will guide them through the concepts.

What can maps show us about the landscape? Maps can show us mountains, valleys, rivers, and other features of the land.

The rest of this guide is included with the curriculum

Explain and Evaluate prompts with model answers for every question.

Camp - HISTORY OF EARTH - Lesson 4 - Assessment Guide

NGSS Standard:

Technology Standard:

ISTE.1.4.d Open-Ended Problems
Students exhibit a tolerance for ambiguity, perseverance and the capacity to work with open-ended problems

Technology Resource:

ArcGIS online
National Geographic Map Database

Lab Activity: Map It!

Lesson Objectives: After this lab activity, students will be able to:

Use a topographic map to create a 3D model.
Explain how geologists use topographic maps.
Describe at least one other type of map that geologists use.

Objective	Does Not Meet Expectations	Meets Expectations	Exceeds Expectations
Use a topographic map to create a 3D model.	The student cannot create a 3D model based on a topographic map.	The student can accurately use a topographic map to create a 3D model.	The student can analyze a topographic map, predict what the 3D model will look like, then accurately use the map to create the mode.
Explain how geologists use topographic maps.	The student cannot explain how geologists use topographic maps.	The student can explain how geologists use topographic maps.	The student can explain how geologists use topographic maps in both short term (climate change, weather events) and long term (mountain formations, valley formation) ways.
Describe at least one other type of map that geologists use.	The student cannot describe at least one other type of map that geologists use.	The student can describe one other type of map that geologists use.	The student can describe more than one other type of map that geologists use.