RockLicker · Grade 7 · Lesson 4 of 5

From Map to Elevation Profile

Plot a distance-elevation profile and distinguish net rise from total ascent.

  • Grade 7
  • 55 minutes
  • Worksheet + teacher guidance
Back to Grade 7

What you will learn

A profile shows elevation along a line. Net elevation change compares endpoints, while total ascent sums uphill segments. Sparse samples can miss intermediate highs and lows.

Words to use

  • profile: elevation along a line
  • net change: final minus initial
  • ascent: sum of uphill gains

Evidence for this lesson

Imaginary profile points (distance m, elevation m): (0,100), (100,140), (200,120), (300,150), (400,110). Assume straight segments only for this calculation.

Use the supplied record as written; do not invent missing results.

Work through the activity

  1. 10 min · Set axesLabel horizontal distance in meters from 0 to 400 and vertical elevation in meters from 80 to 160. Use evenly spaced scales.
  2. 15 min · Plot dataPlace all five distance-elevation points and connect them with straight segments. Label the line as a simplified sampled profile.
  3. 20 min · CalculateFind endpoint change, sampled uphill gains and sampled downhill losses. Explain how a route can end only slightly higher after climbing much more.
  4. 10 min · State limitsIdentify what falls between the sample points and what cannot be known about terrain condition or actual trail distance.
RockLicker
GRADE 7 · LESSON 4

From Map to Elevation Profile

Draw on the printed sheet or write, type or dictate your response.
Draw on the printed sheet or write, type or dictate your response.
Draw on the printed sheet or write, type or dictate your response.
Draw on the printed sheet or write, type or dictate your response.

Responses stay in this open page only. Print before closing or changing pages; no student record is stored online.

Check your understanding

A route starts at 100 m and ends at 110 m. Does that prove only 10 m of ascent?

Teacher & family guide · answers and assessment

Grade 7 · From Map to Elevation Profile

Learning goal: Plot a distance-elevation profile and distinguish net rise from total ascent.

Expected responses

  1. Check 0/100, 100/140, 200/120, 300/150, 400/110 coordinates.
  2. 110−100 = +10 m.
  3. Ascent 40+30 = 70 m; descent 20+40 = 60 m.
  4. Unmeasured hills between points can add ascent; straight interpolation smooths them out.

Understanding check: No; intermediate climbs can add more. Endpoint change is +10 m, but total ascent depends on intermediate terrain.

Watch for this misconception

Net rise is not total ascent, and horizontal map distance is not walking distance over terrain.

Assess the evidence

Look for the observations, calculation or explanation named in the learning goal. Accept accurate drawings and dictated responses. Use the expected responses to discuss reasoning; a correct guess without explanation is a starting point for another conversation.

Adapt and extend

Read prompts aloud, enlarge print or let a partner record the learner’s explanation. Add a point at 250 m and 160 m; recalculate sampled ascent and compare.