G R O U N D W A T E R C O N T A M I N A T I O N : I N V E S T I G A T I O N 4

Maps and More Maps©

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• • • • © CHALLENGE

What information do different types of maps pro-vide that will help solve the mystery of Fruitvale’swater?

Now that you have a clearer understanding of how water moves andchanges in the environment, you decide to learn more about the land

and places in Fruitvale that could affectthe water or be affected by contaminatedwater. You know that people have beenmaking and using maps for centuries,and you decide to check the library andthe Internet to see if there are any mapsthat might help solve the mystery ofFruitvale’s water. The librarian helps youfind several different types of maps, eachshowing different kinds of information.You explain the groundwater problem,and he recommends that you consult thetopographic map and the geologic crosssection map of Fruitvale.

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MATERIALS

For each team of two students

1 ruler

1 piece of string

1 index card

For each student

1 Student Sheet 1.1,“Street Map of Fruitvale”

1 Student Sheet 4.1,“Topographic Map ofFruitvale”

1 Student Sheet 4.2,“Geologic Cross Section ofFruitvale”

1 Student Sheet 4.3,“Fruitvale Features”

1 Student Sheet 4.4,“Comparing Different Typesof Maps”

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Topographic maps show you where elevation changes occur and theshape of the land—the hills, valleys, ridges, and flat areas. Geologiccross sections show you what is below the surface. All maps have akey that contains important information to help you use the mapproperly. Keys often contain a north arrow, that points toward thenorth pole, and a scale, which lets you calculate the actual size of amap feature or the distance from one point to another.

• • • • © PROCEDURE

1. Look at Student Sheet 1.1, “Street Map of Fruitvale.” List threemajor features shown on the map.

2. Look at Student Sheet 4.1, “Topographic Map of Fruitvale.” Listthree prominent features shown of the map.

3. Look at Student Sheet 4.2, “Geologic Cross Section of Fruitvale.”List three obvious features shown on the map.

4. Use the maps to fill in the missing information (including theblanks in Column 1) in the table on Student Sheet 4.3, “FruitvaleFeatures.”

• • • • © ANALYSISGroupUse the table on Student Sheet 4.4, “Comparing Different Types ofMaps,” to complete Questions 1 and 2.

1. What information can be found on all three maps?

2. What information is found only on, or is easier to find on:

a. a street map?

b. a topographic map?

c. a geologic cross section?

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3. Which of the three maps provides the most useful information for solving the mystery of Fruitvale’s water? Explain your choice.