The Kuril islands stretch from Japan to Russia, and the ongoing dispute about their jurisdiction prevents many scientific research studies. Scholars learn to create a topographic profile of a specific area around their schools. Then they read the topographic profile maps of the Kuril islands to better understand that area.

Concepts

topographical maps, topography, profile

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• If possible have different groups use different tools, such as a surveyor's tripod versus a clinometer, to measure the same area and discuss the variation in measurements

Classroom Considerations

• Relies on prior knowledge of topography, using similar triangles, and coordinate graphing
• Prepare the surveying tools and practice using them before handing them to pupils

Pros

• Incorporates science, math, and social studies
• Offers additional profile maps to create extensions or assessments

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.9-10.3 RST.9-10.7 RST.9-10.9 RST.11-12.3 RST.11-12.7 RST.11-12.9