Click here to view the lesson plan (pdf).

Grade: 6 to 8

Introduction

Alien weed species can take advantage of a wide range of habitats. They can cause problems on a small scale, such as on school property, and within a larger environment. Mapping the location and number of alien weed species is one method scientists use to track the spread of invasive plants.

This lesson introduces basic mapping skills and prepares students for more involved mapping lessons later in this curriculum. Students will use a map of their schoolyard to mark the location of alien weed species and develop spatial awareness skills. Before teaching this lesson, read the entire lesson and make sure all materials are available.

Click here to view the lesson plan (pdf).

Grade: 6 to 12

Introduction

Before attempting to map an alien weed invasion, students should understand how to read a topographic map. Students will learn how to read and understand a United States Geological Survey (USGS) topographic map. Students will learn the basics about three coordinate systems used on USGS topographic maps: township, range, and section (TRS); latitude and longitude; and the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) system.

In later lessons, students will build on the knowledge they acquire in this lesson to use Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers and Global Information System (GIS) software. For an in-depth exploration of the three types of coordinate systems, use other mapping curricula. (See Resources later in this lesson.)