Nick Sirek, L&N STEM Academy, Knoxville, TN

Mapping Unit Plan Nick Sirek, L&N STEM Academy, Knoxville, TN

Course: Geology (2014-15) Name of Unit: Mapping the Power Grid Prior Unit: None Next Unit: Landforms

Standards Covered: Earth Science: Standard 1 – Maps CLE 3205.1.1 Read and interpret topographic and geologic maps CLE 3205.1.2 Use geologic maps to investigate rock types, time periods, faults and folds CLE 3205.1.3 Investigate technologies used to create maps CLE 3205.1 Embedded inquiry, technology and engineering

Unit Lesson Plan (and Pacing Guide):

Part 1 – Introduction to Maps Lesson 1.1 – What are maps and how do we use them? (1 day) Students will be exposed to a series of maps aerial photos, topographic, geologic maps from prior to, during and after the Kingston Fly Ash Spill.

Students will be able to:

 Identify and discuss different types of maps and their uses

Lesson 1.2 - Make/Assemble/Draw Maps (1 - 2 days)

Students will create a map of the power grid in their neighborhood and identify various components of the system. Students will be able to:

 Identify basic map symbols and legends

 Differentiate between longitude and latitude.  Investigate the concept of map scale.

 Determine scaled map distances.

Part 2 - Topographic Maps Lesson 2.1 - Intro to Topographic maps (2 days)

Students will locate power plants, transmission lines, substations, rivers, and railroads

 Explain the concept of elevation.

 Determine the elevations of specific points on a topographic map.

 Identify landforms and determine stream flow direction using a topographic map.

 Use field data to create a topographic map of a landform

Lesson 2.2 - Topographic Elevation and Cross Sections (2 days)

Students will create a 3-D topographic model and cross-section of the Kingston Power Plant site or similar site.

 Construct a 3-D representation of a topographical map that illustrates contour lines.

 Construct an elevation profile (cross-section) from topographic map data

Part 3 - Geologic Maps Lesson 3.1 - Intro to Geologic maps (2 days) Students will be introduced to geologic maps and their use and create/interpret geologic cross sections of a power plant site.

 Interpret basic rock types, time periods, and faults from geologic maps.  Construct a geologic cross-section from topographic map data

Lesson 3.2 – Geologic Mapping and Interpretation (2 days)

Students will select a geologically suitable location for construction of a variety of power plants (hydro, coal, solar, etc.).

 Identify what types of bedrock are the most stable and be able to assess the likelihood of instability due to various types of bedrock.

 Construct a geologic cross-section from topographic map data of selected sites

Part 4 – Introduction to Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Lesson 4.1 – Intro to GPS data and its uses Students will locate and collect GPS data for power poles, transformers and distribution lines in their neighborhood, local park, or other area in order to create a simple map of the data. Students will be able to:

 Use a GPS unit to identify latitude, longitude, and elevation of a location.

 Determine the latitude and longitude of specific map points.

Lesson 4.2 – Intro to GIS (ArcGIS) and its uses Students will use the data collected in Lesson 4.1 to create a simple map in ArcGIS and manipulate the way it is displayed.

Students will:

 Investigate digital technologies used to create maps.

 Investigate methods of remote sensing used to measure and monitor the earth's crust.

Part 5 – Geospatial Analysis (final project) Lesson 5.1 – Project Based Geospatial Mapping Project (see attached PBL Design) Students will create an ArcGIS map that geospatially analyzes potential geologic hazard risks and the location of current and proposed power plants, and transmission lines.

Unit Master Materials List Various Topographic maps (2-D and 3-D) Overhead/White Board Tracing paper Power Point, computer and projector Pencils Cardboard Markers/colored pencils Graph Paper Rulers Internet access w/ Google Earth and ArcGIS Compass Scissors, exacto blade, and utility knife Cell phone w/ GPS or hand-held GPS Unit Measuring devices (tape, roller)

Unit Vocabulary List Topographic Landform Latitude Contour Line Longitude Contour Interval Geologic Elevation Scale Datum Benchmark Legend