GRADE LEVEL/SUBJECT: 3-12

This can be adapted to many different grades. It has been used in grades third through twelve. The subject area primarily is geographic, but It could be used it in math class when studying graphing.

OVERVIEW:

Longitude and latitude is difficult for some students to grasp. This activity was designed to give students an opportunity to use longitude and latitude to locate various locations. The following activity works well for students who are learning, studying or reviewing longitude and latitude.

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this activity is for students to locate various locations on a map or globe using longitude and latitude.

OBJECTIVE(S):

l. Students will be able to find a location using longitude and latitude.

2. Students will be able to write the appropriate coordinates of a given location.

3. Since this activity can be done using small groups, students will work cooperatively with other students.

4. Students will understand the importance of using longitude and latitude.

5. Students will become more aware of locations of the world.

RESOURCES/MATERIALS:

Teacher- Large world map, globe

Student- World map, globe, world atlas, teacher prepared worksheet which asks students to write the coordinates of a location or to identify a specific site using longitude and latitude.

ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:

1. The teacher should ask the questions how do planes know where to land when they take off and how ships navigate. Eventually, the teacher should discuss the importance the role of longitude and latitude have played and plays in locating places in the world.

2. The teacher should demonstrate the procedure to find a place using longitude and latitude.

3. Students should be paired and given a world map.

4. Students should be given a teacher prepared worksheet which lists at least ten coordinates of world cities. Students are asked to place the correct cities on the spaces provided.

5. After students have completed the above assignment, they should be given a teacher prepared worksheet which lists ten world cities. Students are asked to place the correct coordinate of the cities on the spaces provided.

6. Allow students to have fun with this activity. The noise level can be loud at times. Make sure that the students understand how to locate places using longitude and latitude. Have fun!

TYING IT ALL TOGETHER:

1. Go over the worksheets orally in class showing students where the places are on the large map when they have finished.

2. Design a brief, graded activity which measures the first two objectives.

3. Use this activity to assess the understanding of longitude and latitude.  Adapt it to the appropriate grade level.