Donate

LEARNING TOOL

Open Educational Resource

LEARNING TOOL

OER

Exploring Topographic Features

Exploring Topographic Features

When nature is the sculptor, what are the tools? Explore the power of erosion and weathering.

This activity was developed by National Geographic and Esri to be used with MapMaker, a digital mapping tool for the classroom. It is one in a series of geoinquiry lessons intended to promote geographic thinking by using maps and spatial patterns to acquire, understand and communicate information.

Grades

6 - 8

Subjects

Geography, Physical Geography, Earth Science



NGS Resource Carousel Loading Logo
Loading ...
Share on Twitter
Share on Facebook
Share on Pinterest
Share on Google Classroom
Share on MS Teams
Share via email
Print

Learning materials

Instructional Links

Topography is the study of Earth’s surface, or more specifically, its variations in elevation. These variations, called landforms, are shaped by three main forces: the movement of tectonic plates, erosion and weathering.

In this activity, students will use National Geographic MapMaker to learn about topography, landforms and the processes that shape them. They will explore unique examples globally and reflect on their cultural significance. 

By clicking on the link above, educators will find a StoryMap that contains:

  • A MapMaker map, Exploring Topographic Features, that the activity relies upon
  • A teacher guide and student activity, available as Open Educational Resources in the form of a Google document or Microsoft format, designed to be adapted as needed
Media Credits

The audio, illustrations, photos, and videos are credited beneath the media asset, except for promotional images, which generally link to another page that contains the media credit. The Rights Holder for media is the person or group credited.

Last Updated

May 21, 2025

For information on user permissions, please read our Terms of Service. If you have questions about how to cite anything on our website in your project or classroom presentation, please contact your teacher. They will best know the preferred format. When you reach out to them, you will need the page title, URL, and the date you accessed the resource.

Media

If a media asset is downloadable, a download button appears in the corner of the media viewer. If no button appears, you cannot download or save the media.

Text

Text on this page is printable and can be used according to our Terms of Service.

Interactives

Any interactives on this page can only be played while you are visiting our website. You cannot download interactives.

Related Resources