Sixth grade science students have spent their last few class sessions working on a topography project, the culmination of their land formation, erosion, and deposition unit. Students were challenged with creating their own land and to “apply what they’ve learned about reading topographic maps and synthesize their own map,” says science teacher Gin Saepharn. These student-made topographic maps include contour lines, contour intervals, elevations, and standardized symbols for man-made structures (e.g., paved roads, airports, and levees). Sixth graders also had to provide a synopsis of their made-up land, using scientific argumentations to prove to their peers why their land is the best place to live. MORE PHOTOS