Instructions

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1) Begin by using the cardboard to build an imaginary terrain. For example, cut out a series of circles, one smaller than the next, and stack them, with the largest on the top and the smallest on the bottom. They should look a bit like a hill. Repeat with the other shapes as you like.

2) Arrange the stacks of circles on your paper. As you build your terrain, you'll notice that some areas sit higher on the paper and areas that sit lower.

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3) Once you've arranged your imaginary terrain to your liking, you'll be ready to make your topographic map. Lets go back to your original stack of circles. Start by tracing the largest circle on the paper. Now, trace the next-largest circle inside the circle on the paper. Repeat this process for each circle. The result will be a series of circles, one inside the other. Though the drawing is flat, each circle represents an increase in elevation equal to the thickness of the cardboard in your imaginary terrain. You can repeat this process for all of the shapes that you built up with the cardboard.

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4) When you are done tracing, you can color in the terrain and add some rivers. You could also name some of the peaks in your terrain.

– 5) You now have a topographic map of the terrain that you created!