Physical characteristics of place affect the planning and location of Olympic events.

Each place on earth has its own particular physical characteristics. The topography of the land can have a great impact on mountain biking. Mountain slopes provide an ideal environment for this sport. Contour maps can be valuable tools for professional or amateur bikers because they show how steep slopes are in a given area. This lesson is intended as an application of skills that should already have been taught as a part of a regular geography class.

Define the function of contour lines on a map.

Examine contour lines on a topographical map.

Construct and justify downhill mountain biking routes.

Topographical Map: Snow Basin, Utah (used as a map and as a transparency).

Pen and pencil for each student.

Grid paper.

Suggested Lesson Plan:

Have students make a fist and, using a pen, draw concentric circles on four knuckles. [If personal beliefs discourage marking of the body, have students draw circles around stacks of blocks, or other objects.]

Explain that each circle represents a different height on the knuckles.

Students should then flatten their hand and "see" or imagine that the lines represent the former height of their knuckles.

Explain that similar lines on maps are called contour lines. They help map makers to identify the heights of various land surfaces.

Review how contours are used on flat maps to help distinguish the altitude of a region. Contours represent lines of equal elevation. Steep areas have lines that are closer together; shallow areas have lines that are spaced further apart.

Distribute Topographical Map: Snow Basin, Utah, and orient the class to what they are seeing using a transparency of the map.

• Have students locate and interpret contour lines on the map.
• Ask students to describe the physical characteristics of the area.

Discuss in general terms the requirements needed for creating the ideal mountain biking route. Possible needs might include:

• Proper length and slope
• Environmental concerns for watershed needs, deforestation, etc.
• Access to the general public

Students will trace on the Topographical Map: Snow Basin, Utah two possible routes for mountain biking. One route should be for beginning bikers and the other route for more advanced bikers.

Students will justify their choices in writing, or through a class presentation.

Have students imagine they are in a race. Ask them to write about how they feel when they are: getting ready to start, on a dangerous turn, on the flat, on a jump, and crossing the finish line.

Have students draw a straight line anywhere across the topographical map and sketch a cross section of the topography of that particular line.

(c) 1996 By Griffin Publishing / United States Olympic Committee

Published by Griffin Publishing under license from the United States Olympic Committee. This publication is a creative work fully protected by all applicable rights. All rights reserved. A classroom teacher may reproduce copies of the material in this book for classroom use only.