Terrific Topography

Fourth Grade, Science

Activity: In this activity students will create a model that simulates Earth’s surface and features.
Using their model, students will then create a topographic map that matches the model. Students will
be able to study and explore topographic maps and features through a hands-on modeling activity.
The students will also be exposed to scaling, map keys, and measurement.

Standards:
● Science
○ 4-ESS2-2 Analyze and interpret data from maps to describe patterns of Earth’s
features.
● Social Studies
○ G.8.4.2 Use thematic maps (e.g., climate, political, topographical) and other
geographic representations to compare physical and human characteristics of a region
to those of another region in the United States and the interactions that shape them

Materials:
● 2 Colors of Clay (Preferably Tan and Blue)
● Paper
● Markers
● Pencil
● Ruler
● Plastic Knife (Optional: For cutting clay)
● Plastic Spoon (Optional: For smoothing clay)
● String (Optional: For measuring distances)

Procedure:
1. Students will draw a rectangle in the middle of a piece of paper using a ruler. The rectangle
will be 8 inches by 6 inches. They will begin by drawing a line that separates where they
want their land and water to meet.
2. Students will take one color of clay to cover the area that represents land and then take a
different color of clay to cover the area that represents water. The two colors of clay should
meet at the pre-drawn line.
3. Next students will work on adding features to their model.
a. Students will then add raised land features using the land colored clay (mountains,
islands, etc.)
b. Students will add water features using the water colored clay (lakes, ponds, rivers,
etc.)
c. Students will add cities by creating an etched pattern in places where there will be a
city. This pattern should be the same for each city but can vary in size depending on
how big the student wants their city to be.
 d. Students will add highway systems to connect their cities using etched lines in the
clay.
4. Students will then begin working on their topographic map of their model by drawing a
rectangle in the middle of a new piece of paper using a ruler that is also 8 inches by 6 inches.
Students will draw a grid with squares that are 1 inch by 1 inch across their clay model and
their new piece of paper.
5. They will draw their model as a topographic map by copying each square from the model
onto their paper map. They will start by drawing a line that separates where the land and
water meet on their model. When the map is finished, they will use color to accentuate the
different aspects of each feature. Then, students will create a key. Lastly, students will create
a scale that tells whoever is reading a map how many miles each inch represents.

Differentiation:
Gifted and Talented:
● Students can look at a real map of their own town or a place they want to visit and recreate it
using clay.
● Students use their scale and math to measure how far away different places and features are
from one another.
English Language Learners:
● Students can label their maps in their own language.
● Students can create their maps based on their own cultural views of the world.
Special Education Students:
● Students who need more basic activities can focus on creating their model. The teacher can
support the students in focusing on identifying and recreating various Earth features.

Outcomes:
● Students will understand that models are used to represent real phenomena.
● Students will understand that topographic maps can be used to study different regions and
their geographical features.
● Students will be able to create a model that mirrors real topography.
● Students will be able to use their model to create a topographic map that includes a scale and
a key.