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We will kick off the year with Landforms

 

 

In this unit, we learn how to create maps and models, and we investigate erosion and deposition, and we'll discuss mountains and topographic maps.  

 

There are FIVE investigations in this unit:

 

Investigation 1 - Schoolyard Model

 

We will create a 3-dimensional model of Jennings School, observe and compare features on models and cooresponding maps, and experience how maps can be generated from models.

 

     Vocabulary:

          model

          boundary

          structure

          map

          cartographer

          grid

          symbol

          key

 

Investigation 2 - Stream Tables

 

We will investigate water flow over earth materials in a stream table, observe the process of erosion, deposition, and stream flow, and relate the processes they observe in the stream table to the processes that create the Grand Canyon.

 

     Vocabulary:

          drainage basin

          erosion

          landform

          canyon

          delta

          plateau

          deposition

          sediments

          basin

          channel

          meader

 

Investigation 3 - Go With The Flow

 

We will investigate how slope of the land affects erosion and deposition, investigate how a flood flow affects erosion and deposition, and design and conduct investigations to discover how changes humans make to stream channels affect stream processes.

 

     Vocabulary:

          slope

          alluvial fan

          flood

          flash flood

          levee

          dam

          floodplain

          hypothesis

          conclusion

          observation

          key

          measurement

          labels

 

Investigation 4 - Build A Mountain

 

We will build a foam-mountain model and compare it to a real mountain, draw a topographic map and a profile of the model mountain, and relate topographic features to symbolic representations on maps.

 

     Vocabulary:

          base

          contour line

          contour interval

          elevation

          peak

          sea level

          topographic map

          profile

          bench mark

          intermitent stream

          perennial stream

 

Investigation 5 - Bird's-Eye View

 

We will observe and describe the types of information on a topographic map, compare the Mt. Shasta foam model to the U.S. Geological Survey topographic map of Mt. Shasta, and interpret images on an aerial photograph and compare them to landforms found on a map.

 

     Vocabulary:

          ridge

          glacier

          valley

          interpret

          aerial photograph

          scale

          surveyor

          bar scale

          representative fraction

          rapids

          intermittent lake

 

 

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