Environmental Science- Mapping Watersheds

Objectives: By the end of this unit you should be able to

ð  Identify land features on a topographic map

ð  Find map features in the landscape and vise versa.

ð  Determine elevation at any point on a topographic map

ð  Trace the path water would follow in streams and drainages

ð  Define a watershed boundary

Vocabulary

1.  Topographic map

2.  Elevation

3.  Contour lines

4.  contour interval

5.  Slope

6.  Relief

7.  Hill

8.  Saddle

9.  Ridge

10.  Arroyo, draw or drainage

11.  Spur

12.  Valley

13.  Cliff

14.  Depression

15.  Watershed

16.  Watershed boundary

17.  GPS

18.  GIS

19.  Latitude

20.  Longitude

21.  Coordinates

Grading Scale:

A

/ B / C / F
90-100 pts / 80-89 pts / 70 – 79 pts / < 70 pts

Assignment Options:

  • C Layer: You must earn at least 70 points but may not exceed 79 points from this layer.

-- You must earn the minimum amount of points from each section (a-e) in the C layer.

-- Assignments marked with a * have criteria on the back of this sheet. Refer to it if you have selected any of these options.

a. Required of EVERYONE – You must complete these 25 points worth of work and take notes

/

Worth

(pts) /

Pts Earned

/

Initial

Find and Identify various features on a topographic map (in class) / 5
Find and Identify various features in the landscape and on a topographic map / 5
Trace a watershed boundary on a topographic map / 5
Topomap Map and story homework / 10
b. Basic Knowledge – Complete at least 10 points worth of work.
You may only complete one quiz or crossword puzzle from this section /

Worth

(pts) /

Pts Earned

/

Initial

Listen to lecture and take notes. (DAY 1 2 3 4 5) / 2/day
Read an article about GIS and write a science news summary. See Science News Rubric. / 10
Read about how GPS works and make a poster demonstrating the concept / 10
Make a definitions list (or flashcards) of all vocabulary terms. You’ll be quizzed randomly on 10 and will earn one point for each correct definition. / 10 max
Latitude Longitude worksheet (use Goolge Earth) to find Major Cities / 5
Make a poster showing the major map features we learned using contour lines / 7
Complete or create a crossword puzzle for this unit / 5
c. Topographic map worksheets –Complete at least 10 points /

Worth

(pts) /

Pts Earned

/

Initial

Logos County Topographic Map Worksheet / 10
“landform observation” Draw a landform and guess what it would look like as a topographic map worksheet / 10
Foss Creek Map worksheet / 5
Foss lake Map Worksheet / 5
d. – Topographic mapping – Hands on activates –Complete at least 10 points /

Worth

(pts) /

Pts Earned

/

Initial

Build a mountain with foam blocks and draw topographic map of it. (you may trace the pieces) / 5
Using colored water and a plastic land form, pour in water a one inch intervals and draw a topographic map from over head. / 10
Find your home on a topographic map using Terra serve. Write down the elevation and coordinates. Then take home a GPS unit and compare your results to what the GPS unit says. / 10
Using ½ inch contour intervals Predict what the topographic map of Logos county would look like before seeing the map. / 5
  • B Layer: Worth up to 10 points. Choose only 1 assignment.

* Before you start, make sure you will have earned at least 70 points in the C Layer!

Assignment Description / Worth / Pts Earned / Initial
Build a model of the Sandia mountains using scrap foam board or cardboard. Answer the questions. / 10
Go to www.geocaching.com make a username and password, borrow a GPS unit and Find a Geo ache near you! / 10
How much rain falls in our watershed –an estimated calculation / 10
  • A Layer: Worth up to 11 points. Choose only one assignment. (Need to See Ms. Lathrop for an A-layer assignment sheet.

* To earn an A, make sure you will have earned at least 80 points in the C and B Layers!

Assignment Description / Worth / Pts Earned / Initial
What land use activities occur in the San Pedro Creek Watershed? What impact do you think these activities have on the landscape and on the water? Need A- Layer assignment sheet / 11
Do some research on a specific watershed. What land use and water quality issues do they face? What can be done to improve the water in the watershed. Ex. Chesapeake bay water shed. Need A-layer assignment sheet / 11
What is GIS? How can it be used to help the environment and watershed health? / 11

If you want to work on “A-Layer” assignments start as soon as possible so that you can be sure to finish be the end of the unit.