Delineating Watersheds Using Topographic Maps Lab

In this 4 part lab exercise, students will learn how to delineate a watershed from a topographic map and calculate the area of a watershed using the dot-grid method.

Part 1: What is a Watershed?

Students will gain background knowledge of what a watershed is an how and why they are important by watching two YouTube videos and answering 12 comprehension questions.

Part 2: Learning to Use Topographic Maps to Delineate Watersheds

Students will use the article “How to Read a Topographic Map and Delineate a Watershed” produced by the United States Department of Agriculture: Natural Resources Conservation Service to better understand how we can use topography to understand the movement of water. They will answer comprehension questions, as well as application questions, regarding topographic map features and flow directions based on topography.

Part 3: Apply Your Knowledge – Delineate the Cascade Creek Watershed

Students will apply their knowledge and steps outlined in the USDA article to draw the boundary of the Cascade Creek watershed located in Colorado. Topographic map was created using QGIS and will need to be printed separately from the lab packet.

Part 4: Measuring Watershed Areas Using the Dot Grid Method

Students will use the dot grid method, described at the end of the USDA article, to practice calculating the area of a watershed.

*Answer keys to lab packet and Part 3: Delineate the Cascade Creek Watershed are included in purchase.

*USDA article is also included