Contour Line Profile Relay

A team relay where students must match sections of a contour map with the correct elevation profile. It builds terrain reading, which is essential for planning hikes, combined with running and teamwork.

How to play

1. Prepare 5 sets of 10 cards: each set has 5 contour map sections (A–E) and 5 elevation profiles (1–5), shuffled.
2. Spend 3 minutes on reading contours: lines close together mean steep, far apart mean gentle, and the elevation numbers tell you whether you go up or down.
3. Form 5 teams of 5 in a line behind a cone; 20 m (about 22 yd) away is their card set face down next to another cone.
4. On the whistle, the first runner flips one map card and one profile card; if they think they match, they bring the pair back; if not, they turn them face down and return. The next runner goes.
5. When a team has all 5 pairs, the teacher checks them; each mistake sends that pair back and the relay continues (about 6 minutes per round).
6. Play 2 rounds with different sets and finish with 3 minutes explaining the hardest match.

Rules

• Only two cards may be flipped per trip.
• The team can give advice from the line, but only the runner at the cards decides.
• Tag off with a high five behind the starting cone.
• Slow down before reaching the cards to avoid slipping or colliding with other teams.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: shorten the student's relay distance or let them be the one who checks and arranges the pairs.
• Visual impairment: use letter-size cards with bold contour lines or cardboard relief models.
• Fitness level: increase the distance to 30 m for students who need more challenge.

Learning goals

• Interpret contour lines to determine slope and elevation change.
• Connect the terrain on the map to the effort a route will require.
• Work with the team to solve the task quickly.

Equipment for a class of 25

• topographic maps: 25
• cards: 50
• cones: 10

Teacher tip

Build the profiles from real local trails so the task feels practical. Laminate the cards and color-code each set so they don't get mixed up.

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