TEACHING EARTH/ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE CONCEPTS BY CONSTRUCTING TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS OF A SCHOOL CAMPUS

The use of maps as a tool to teach earth and environmental science concepts can engage and enhance student learning. Through a series of guided investigations, students produce a three-dimensional map of study site on our campus. In the process of producing the map, students learn about the space in which they live. The students create scaled topographic maps in a multi-step process. First, students create a two-dimensional map using basic orienteering practices. Once the scaled map is created, students use a simple stick and string device, which incorporates the use of a level, to calculate elevation and introduce the third dimension. Students map approximately eight acres of our campus. Land features in the study site include hills, ridges, stream valleys, and depressions. The students are required to create a contour map with a legend that includes land features and points of environmental interest. This project teaches students many practical skills and science concepts specified in the North Carolina Science Standard Course of Study. Students develop the skills of measuring, calculating, scaling, and modeling. In addition to the skills, students learn the value of constructing questions, designing methods to answer them, creating explanations and then communicating them to others. The fundamental earth science concepts investigated include: soil formation, geology, hydrology, ecosystems and atmosphere objectives. Environmental issues evolve throughout the process. Current science education research shows that inquiry learning, formulating questions, constructing explanations, and communicating to others greatly improves student retention. Mapping is a powerful problem-solving tool to engage students in thinking about earth and environmental content and math strategies of ratio and proportion. By actively being involved in constructing one's knowledge of a physical area, students gain a deeper understanding of their environment.