Just by looking at the map, have students predict where the slope will be the steepest and most shallow. Students will be able to identify the steepest and most shallow points on the graph. Students should also be able to see the correlation between the steepness on the straight portions of the river and the meandering of the river in the shallowest stretches on a map. Can You Go Obtain a copy of a map of the U.S. and identify the parts of the Mississippi River that seem to be the steepest or straightest and the parts of the river that are most shallow or meandering. Using the line graph constructed in the student activity, find and record the area of the river that is the steepest and most shallow along the Mississippi River and compare the findings from the graph and map in a short essay.
Explanations are logical and appropriate.
Essay is accurate and appropriate with only one detail. Essay is not precise and no details are given. Explanations have some clear parts. Graph is attractive and self-explanatory. Different colors or patterns are used to represent the different categories.