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Field Trip: A Hands-On Map and Scale Activity
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by Wil Henninger
Silver Creek High School
San Jose, California
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Using and Analyzing Maps
AP Human Geography students need to strengthen their map use skills and develop a broader understanding of map scale. This activity, which uses between one and three class periods, is designed to help students use and analyze maps of different scales; measure, calculate, and understand scale; use a compass; compare local topography on a map and in the field; use measuring equipment to explore their immediate surroundings; and work collaboratively.
The AP Human Geography topics covered by this lesson include:
Geography: Its Nature and Perspectives
- a. Key concepts of geography (scale, location, space, place)
- b. Key geographical skills (how to use and think about maps)
Materials for this assignment include the NGS TOPO! CD-ROM, the article "Do Maps Create or Represent Reality?" by Laura Hebert (see link in "See also," below), a printer, rulers, tape measures, a compass, a calculator, school maps, and oranges.
- NGS TOPO! provides printable versions of USGS topographical maps. The CD sets are available by state. USGS topo maps specific to the local region can also be used. Maps at three different scales are needed to illustrate differences in scale. Suggested scales are 1:500,000, 1:100,000, and 1:24,000. This range of scales allows students to see larger areas, e.g., small scale (such as the San Francisco Bay Area on the 1:500,000), as well as more detailed, close-up features, e.g., large scale (such as the local school campus on the 1:24,000).
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If TOPO! is not available, check the National Geologic Map Database (see link in "See also," below).
The student worksheet guides students through each task. Use the answer key to correct student work.
 Student Worksheet -- Field Trip: Map Use and Scale
Answer Key
Wil Henninger has a B.A. in geography from California State University, Chico, and a teaching credential from San Jose State University. He participated in the 2004 APHG Summer Institute at Taft Educational Center in Watertown, Connecticut. He has taught English in Japan and Costa Rica, and history in San Jose, California.
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