SS 5 Standard 3 Combo
1/3/03
5:24 PM
Page 167
Standard Indicator
5.3.1
Latitude and Longitude
Purpose
Students will demonstrate that lines of latitude and longitude are
measured in degrees of a circle, that places can be precisely located
where these lines intersect, and that location can be stated in terms
of degrees north or south of the equator and east or west of the prime
meridian.
Materials
For the teacher: globe showing lines of latitude and longitude,
wall map of United States with lines of latitude and longitude
For each group of students: 2 pieces of paper, pencil
For the class: wall map of the world with lines of latitude and longitude
incorporating
TECHNOLOGY
Have students play
the “What’s Your
Latitude/Longitude”
or “Anchors Aweigh”
games at www.
studyworksonline.com.
Activity
B. Degrees of a Circle
1. Show students the globe, pointing out the lines that run
horizontally. Say that these are lines of latitude.
2. Explain to students that latitude lines are numbered in degrees
starting from 0 degrees latitude at the equator. Tell students that
Earth is a sphere with 360 degrees in it, just like a circle. Explain
that each of the poles is at 90 degrees latitude, because it is one
quarter of the way around the sphere.
3. Show students the lines running vertically on the globe.
Tell students that these are called the lines of longitude.
4. Explain that longitude lines circle the Earth from north to south,
and that they are measured in degrees east and west of the prime
meridian. Demonstrate for students on the globe that the prime
meridian is at 0 degrees longitude and that there are 15 degrees
between each longitude line, up to 360 degrees.
5. Explain that any place on Earth can be found given its latitude
and longitude.
C. Lines Around the World
1. Show students the wall map and ask them to find the equator
and prime meridian.
(continued)
Standard 3 / Curriculum Framework / Activity 1
Indiana Social Studies Grade 5 Standards Resource, February 2003
meeting
individual
NEEDS
Dissect oranges to help
visual learners better
understand the concept
of latitude and
longitude. Cut one
orange in half to
demonstrate the lines
of latitude. Peel another
orange and remove
each section to
demonstrate the lines
of longitude.
Standards Link
5.3.2
page 167
Standard 3
A. Pre-Activity Preparation
Make a list of landmarks, cities, or geographic features in the
United States with which students would be familiar. Find the
latitude and longitude coordinates for each item on the list.
SS 5 Standard 3 Combo
1/3/03
5:24 PM
Page 168
Activity (continued)
2. Have students point out Indiana on the wall map and identify
any other states with which they are familiar.
3. Ask students to locate several major cities on the wall map
and give their approximate coordinates.
4. Have student volunteers come up to the map one at a time. Give
these students various latitude and longitude coordinates from
the list prepared in part A and have them find the landmark,
city, or geographic feature at that point.
Standard 3
D. Where in the World Is It?
1. Tell students that they are going to play a geographical
location game.
2. Divide students into two groups. Give each group two pieces
of paper and a pencil. Have students label one piece of paper
“Locations” and the other “Answer Key.”
3. Tell the first group to use the “Locations” page to make a list
of 20 landmarks or cities. Have students also make an “Answer
Key” and note the latitude and longitude of each place.
4. Instruct the second group to use the “Locations” page to make a
list of 20 latitude and longitude intersections that mark specific
landmarks or cities. Have students make an “Answer Key” with
the name of each city or landmark.
5. Instruct groups to switch their “Locations” papers.
6. Have students in the first group work together to find each
location and correctly write the latitude and longitude degrees
next to the landmark.
7. Instruct students in the second group to use the degrees of
latitude and longitude to find the nearest landmark or city
and write the correct name next to each.
Questions for Review
Basic Concepts and Processes
After students have finished the location game, ask questions
such as the following:
What is the prime meridian?
What is the line of zero degrees latitude called?
How do latitude and longitude help you find places?
Do you use latitude and longitude to find places in your town?
page 168
Standard 3 / Curriculum Framework / Activity 1
Indiana Social Studies Grade 5 Standards Resource, February 2003