Latitude and Longitude
Aims:





Understand the advantages and limitations of compasses used for
navigation.
Define and correctly use the terms latitude and longitude.
Describe the differences between magnetic and geographic poles.
Use latitude and longitude to locate the equator, the Tropics of Cancer and
Capricorn, the Arctic and Antarctic Circles, the North Pole and South Pole,
the prime meridian, and the International Date Line.
Correctly identify the latitude and longitude for selected sites, estimated to
whole degrees
1. Draw a circle on the board and divide it into four equal sections. Ask a
volunteer to tell you how many degrees the angle of one of those segments
contains (90 degrees—a right angle). Ask how many are in the entire circle
(4 times 90 degrees = 360 degrees).
2. Hold up the large globe and remind students that the planet Earth is a sphere,
a 3-dimensional circle, and because of this, map and globe makers use the
term “degrees” when marking Earth into sections. Use a protractor, or
quickly estimate and mark the large circle on the board into 10-degree
increments:
a.
3. Hold up the large globe again, turning it so students are looking directly
down at the North Pole, and explain that the globe is marked with lines at
these 10-degree markings. Walk around the room, allowing students to see
the lines of longitude radiating out from the pole. Write the word “longitude”
on the board. Point out that the line marked “zero” is called the prime
meridian, and write that term as well.
4. Point out the 180-degree mark and discuss the concept of a “hemisphere.”
Ask students if they live in the Eastern or Western hemi- sphere.
5. Briefly explain how the circles of latitude begin at the equator (at 0 degrees)
and rise up in parallel increments toward the poles as well. Write the terms
latitude and equator on the board.
6. Explain how the equator also divides the earth into hemispheres, and ask
students if they live in the Northern or Southern hemi- sphere.
7. locate and label the Tropic of Cancer (23.5 degrees North) and the Arctic
Circle (estimate to 66 degrees North).
8. locate and mark the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5 degrees South) and the
Antarctic Circle (estimate to 66 degrees South).
9. What is the special name for the line of longitude found opposite the prime
meridian—at 180 degrees?
Source: Agency for Instructional Technology • www.ait.net Where in the world? The
basics of Longitude and Latitude.