The concept of a topographic map can be a challenging, and somewhat abstract concept for learners to grasp. This particular exercise really caught my eye because I’ve actually seen it performed in the classroom. The best part about this assignment is about tangible and real it makes something like a topographic map for a learner; and molding clay really brings them back to the old days of art class in elementary school. Another great advantage to this is that students can construct any kind of structure they want and then getting to see exactly what that looks like when put into the form of a topographic map. The ability to mold the assignment exactly how they want is a level of control that students seldom have in a classroom that is normally very structured. This kind of creative control over their own learning is excellent in that way.
