LOCATING LANDMARKS 

OBJECTIVES
         1.    Students will learn to read and interpret topographic and regional maps.
         2.    Locate landmarks in relation to Laguna Creek Watershed using a topographic and regional map.

METHOD
        Landmarks will be identified on regional and topographic maps.  Students will take a field trip to nearby Ohlone College for a vista view of the area.

MATERIALS
        Copies of Niles topographic maps, regional map of the Bay Area, binoculars and  Student Sheet 2

BACKGROUND
        What is a topographic map?  Topographic maps represent and depict the surface of the land (3 dimensional) upon a 2 dimensional plane (the paper).  According to the U.S. Geological Survey“ a topographic map is a line and symbol representation of natural and selected man-made features of a part of the Earth’s surface plotted to a definite scale.  Topographic maps show the location and shape of mountains, valleys, and plains; the network of streams and rivers; and the principle works of man.”  In order to develop an understanding for the area of land and watersheds that surrounds you, it is necessary to study topographic maps.

PROCEDURE
        How extensive is the Laguna Creek Watershed?  Where does Laguna Creek Watershed ultimately end up?  In this activity you will answer these questions by locating landmarks throughout the South, Central and North Bay.
        Take a short hike up to Ohlone College, near the upper pond and overlooking the swimming pool, and meet the Ohlone Trail for Mission Peak.  Visually locate the following landmarks Dominican Sisters Mother house, St. Joseph School, Mission Boulevard, Hopkins Junior High, Lake Elizabeth, Alameda Sag Ponds and Cargill Salt.  Using your Niles Quadrangle Topographic map, plot these sites on your map.
        Visually locate the following landmarks San Francisco Bay Wildlife Refuge, Coyote Hills, Dumbarton Bridge, and San Francisco.  Using your regional map of the Bay Area, plot these sites on your map.
        Visually locate the following landmarks NUMI Plant, Mud Flats, Moffet Field and San Jose.  Using your regional map of the South Bay Area, plot these sites on your map.
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