Irvington Middle Schoolers Explore Topographic Maps With Models

IRVINGTON, NY — Irvington Middle School eighth-grade students, who have been exploring topography in Karen Bodnar’s earth science classes, recently participated in inquiry-based, hands-on activities to apply their newly found knowledge. Using a plastic model of a volcanic landscape, which was set in an aquarium, the students added water in certain predetermined increments. Then they measured the elevation of various points on the model and generated a contour map from their observations.

“It was a perfect hands-on discovery of our unit in topography,” Bodnar said. “The students enjoyed connecting the volcano to real life, and learning how to visually obtain elevations helped them with equivalence.”

The topography unit ended with a hiking trail project. Working with partners or individually, the students created hiking trails using various fictitious themes that they selected. They also generated commercials for their hiking trails and shared them with their classmates.

“They took everything we studied and displayed what they know in a creative way,” Bodnar said.

Throughout their next science unit on minerals, rocks and natural resources, the students will apply their knowledge of topography, which will continue the progression of their understanding of the earth and the dynamic components that influence our world.

Photo: Irvington Union Free School District.