Lesson+7

**Lesson # 7: 5,280 - Elevation and Relief Maps! ** **Description of lesson:** This lesson focuses on elevation and relief maps. What is the terrain like in a specific area? What is the elevation above or below sea level? How does elevation influence temperature or precipitation? These are all important questions we will look at in this lesson while learning how to read and draw conclusions from elevation and relief maps. More so, we will apply this information to hiking and exploring. Learning about your environment and the conditions of an area are very important pieces to having a successful hiking experience. We will **In Class Assignment:** Ranger Radio - The class will listen to an episode of Ranger Radio covering the topic of "Preparing for a Hike." They will learn about the important things to consider before setting off and exploring new environments. Then they will be asked to review information on a specific hiking location in Colorado and create their own "Hiking Report" that they can record and upload online. This is a fun and creative way to get students thinking about elevation's role in every day life! Ranger Radio Broadcast - Preparing for a hike! Listen to the below episode of Ranger Radio to learn about key considerations when hiking! media type="file" key="rangerradio.mp3" Hiking Report Example - Listen to this example of a local "Hiking Report" as you create your own for class. media type="custom" key="8947372" **Homework Assignment:** Building off the in class assignment, each student be asked to create a one page poster with important information for today's hikers! This would be placed on the main camp grounds bulletin board and notify explorers of things to enjoy or stay away from when hiking. Information about weather, temperature, wildlife, closed trails or new trail openings can all be outlined on the poster. Have fun! **Resources/materials needed:**  Computer, internet resources, construction paper, markers, stickers, etc. **Technology reflection:**  Using the Podcast for "Ranger Radio" is a fun and exciting way to get students thinking about how elevation maps are related to every day activities. Additionally, asking them to upload their own "Hiking Report" provides a second way for them to engage with the class material in a creative way. Students will practice their research skills to gather the information need to provide a full report, and then share their personality and creativity to their radio broadcast. Both podcasts will capture the students attention and get them excited about the lesson! **Evaluation:** <span style="color: #808000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> My concern with this lesson is time. Gathering the information about the local weather and trails may take more time than permitted. It may be a better option to provide students with a packet of information on each area and let them focus on organizing and drawing conclusions on that research. This will give them more time put together an accurate and creative hiking report for everyone to listen to!