What a Relief Map!!! 

Designed by: Valerie C. James    School: Gibbes Middle School 

Grade Level: 6th/7th/8th     Subject: Social Studies-Middle Level

Core Curriculum Objective(s):  Define, illustrate, and cite examples of physical geographic terms.  (WG1-12) 

South Carolina Social Studies Strand: Describe the physical characteristics of each world culture region and explain the processes that shape patterns in the physical environment.  (7.3.2) 

Overview: Studying maps in class can be extremely boring at times. This lesson allows students to transfer information from one map source to a creation of their own---a cookie! The students will use chilled sugar cookie dough to create a delectable treat, which will double as a geography lesson and cooking lesson at the same time.

Focus/Essential Question:  What landforms can be found in a particular country? What are the essential parts of a good map?

Time Frame: Two fifty minute periods

Resources/ Materials: 
Chilled cookie sugar cookie dough 
Rolling pins and waxed paper 
Plastic gloves 
Flour 
Chocolate chips, sprinkles, cookie ornaments, icing, icing gels in different colors 
Cookie sheets 
Plastic knives, spoons 
Aprons 
Ovens (home arts rooms) 
Drawing paper and materials 
Clear wrap

Web sites: 

fermi.huapl.edu/states/us/us_map.html

plasma.nationalgeographic.com/mapmachine/ax/atlas_choosetheme.html

Culminating Assessment: Students will create a map out of cookie dough that represents the physical features of a country such as the United States. They will use cookie ornaments to "decorate" or designate various land and water features. Using maps from the Internet and/or atlases and text sources, students will learn various physical features of a particular country and make their own map that shows that they have assimilated the information. The finished product will be evaluated by using a rubric. (See Appendix B)

Instructional Activities:

Activity One 
Students will study the physical features of a chosen country. They may use atlases, their textbook, or the Internet to locate appropriate physical maps. The teacher may select the country to be represented or allow the students to choose their country. The students may need to make a sketch of the country first or fill in an outline map provided by the teacher.

Activity Two 
Students will prepare their work area with wax paper, sugar cookie dough roll, rolling pin, container with flour, gloves, cookie sheet, prepared cardboard or large plate for finished cookie. Teacher will prepare students by giving them instructions (Appendix A) and rubric (Appendix B). Using their sketch or outline map, students will shape their cookie country.

Appendix A

Instructions for What a Relief Map!!!

1. Locate maps of your country in your textbook and/or atlases. If you have access to a computer you may use the Internet and encyclopedia sources to locate physical maps. 

2. Draw a sketch of your map noticing the shape and physical features. Label your map. Be sure to include map essentials-title, scale, compass rose, key. 

3. Prepare your work area. Set aside your equipment and chilled dough. 

4. Wash your hands and wear gloves while handling the cookie dough. Since you would like to eat your creation later, be careful with cleanliness. 

5. Roll out the dough-try to keep the dough thin. Do this on wax paper or a plastic pastry sheet. 

6. Cut the shape of your country out in the dough or shape with your hands. 

7. Use cookie decorations to outline and label physical features. 

8. You made make indentations and pinch up dough to create mountains, valleys, plateaus, etc. 

9. Carefully lift up your map and place on a slightly greased and floured cookie sheet. Bake at the temperature indicated on the dough package. If the cookie can not be baked until a later time, place plastic wrap around the map and keep refrigerated. Bake at a later time. 

10. If possible, explain your map to your classmates and take pictures. 

11. Enjoy!!!!

Appendix B

Rubric for What a Relief Map!!!!

Name____________________________________________________

Directions: After you have finished your project, have another student check over your finished product. Have your peer write yes or no next to questions 1-5. Your teacher will fill in the blanks for points once she/he evaluates your map project.

Points Earned __________ Total Possible Points 15

Final Score - Divide Points earned by Total Possible Points

Final Score __________

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