Historical Geography Scavenger Hunt
computer exercisehandout exercisesuggested grade levels: 9-12
view Idaho achievement standards for this lesson

Overview:
Geography is the science that deals with the differentiation of the surface of the earth due to the influence of things like population, vegetation, geology, and land use. This exercise should be fun for the students. They will use the digital atlas to find selected information. Not only is it educational, but it will teach them how to use the Digital Atlas.

Procedure:
1. Encourage your students to explore the Geography Basics pages. Advise them to click on the links so they can observe the various pictures. To get there: Click on Atlas Home, mouse-over Geography, then click on Basics.
2. Students can work in pairs if they would like. Teachers can adjust group sizes as they see fit. Using the Digital Atlas, have your students complete the following worksheet (See sample handout). Have them decide where they should go within the Basics site to find the information to answer particular questions.

Handouts/Activities:
These are links to access the handouts and printable materials.
geo22ho.pdf | geo22AK.pdf | Basics

Handout Sample:
Answer the questions below.

1. How does a topographic map represent elevation changes on a two dimensional surface?
2. As contour lines on a topographic map get closer together, what does that tell us about how steep the slope is getting?
3. When do contour lines cross each other?

Related Lesson Topics:
Geography: Geography Topics

Lesson plan by James Scannell and Stefan Sommer, 2001
Idaho Achievement Standards (as of 7/2001) met by completing this activity:
358.01
401.01
402.01