Most Year 7 Geography classes are currently studying the O.S. Map Skills Topic in their lessons. Early in the topic, every student was given their own, free 1:25 000 Explorer map of the local area. They have used this map when looking at the various skills required when reading a map; using symbols and a key, compass directions, 4 & 6 figure grid references as well as the ways height is shown on a map.

 

Maps are flat! They are obviously 2-D surfaces, so how can they show you what the real, 3-D landscape is like?

 

Contour lines are brown lines on O.S. maps which show you height above sea level as well as the shape (relief) of the land. They join up places of equal height and are one of three ways that height can be shown on a map. You have to study a map carefully to spot them and once you understand what they show, you should have a very good idea if the land is flat, has steep or gentle slopes.

 

A recent homework I have set, all three of my Year 7 classes, was to make a simple contour model. They were given a basic template, asked to use it to cut out some similar shapes using corrugated cardboard. The next stage would be to stick these together. Students were given the opportunity to do more than this if they wanted, for example they could do their own shapes, use paint and so on.

 

I was absolutely amazed by the fantastic effort put in by so many of the Year 7 students. I saw so many original ideas and was really impressed with how much time many of the students had spent on this task.

 

I have set this homework task in previous years but I’m convinced these are some of the best contour models I’ve ever seen.

 

 

Mr. Halewood