A MAP AS A TOOL
Jordan Rosado
A MAP AS A TOOL
A map is a picture of a place. When properly used a map can provide you with valuable information. One of the first things necessary to fully understand maps is the ability to interpret the signs and symbols that appear on a map. In this lesson we will learn just what the lines that appear on a map mean.
For this lesson you will need:
1 Balloon per student (round is best)
Marking pens
1 blank sheet of paper per student
1 world map
1 globe
overhead projector
1 atlas per student
a transparency of a world map
Procedure:
Part 1
Pass out balloons 1 per student. Have the students inflate their balloons and tie off the ends. Explain that what they have in their hands is a model of the world they live on. Show them the globe and explain that the only difference between their balloon and the globe is the markings that are absent on their balloons.
The first thing the students need to be shown is the Equator. Explain to the students that the equator is an imaginary line that divides the Earth in half horizontally. It divides the Earth into two halves or hemispheres. The top half is called the northern hemisphere this is because north is always at the top of any map. The bottom half is called the southern hemisphere because south is always at the bottom of any map. Show the students how the Earth is not situated vertically on its axis in relation to the sun but is tilted slightly on its axis at 22 degrees and how this tilt causes the seasons. Have the students draw a line on their balloon representing the equator. Have them label this line. The equator is used as a reference point for measuring latitude. Latitude is a north south measurement of the Earth. Latitude lines run east to west but measure north and south of the equator. Latitude lines are measured by degrees. 0 to 90 degrees north or south.
Next have the students draw a line dividing their balloon vertically. Explain to the students that this line represents the Prime Meridian/International Dateline. This line divides the Earth into two halves or hemisperes, the eastern and western hemispheres. The eastern hemisphere is on the right as east is always to the right on a map. The western hemisphere is on the left as west is always on the left on a map. The prime meridian is used as a reference point for measuring longitude. Longitude is an east west measurement of the world. Longitude lines run north to south but measure east to west. Longitude lines are measured by degrees. 0 to 180 degrees east or west.
Show the students that maps have other lines and these lines are generally dotted. Have the students locate the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn. These lines are located at 22 degrees north and south latitude. The area between these lines are called the Tropics and show an area where the sun will be exactly overhead at 12 noon at least once a year. Have the students draw and label these lines on their balloons. Next show the students the Arctic Circle and Antarctic Circle. These lines are located at 66 degrees north and south latitude. These lines designate areas of the Earth that will be without light during the winter and will have 24 hours of light during the summer.
Part 2
Pass out blank sheets of paper to each student. Explain to the students that the paper is the same as a map expect it lacks identification lines. Using the over head, have the students transfer the lines from their balloons to the blank paper and label them. Explain that every point on their paper can be located using latitude and longitude. Have the students locate New Orleans Louisiana in their atlases. Show them that New Orleans is located at exactly 30 degrees north latitude and 90 degrees west longitude. Have them locate these points on their papers. Repeat the procedure using Philadelphia. Gradually move the students to more and more difficult points on the map until you can call out two coordinates and the students are able to find that point on their maps. Whenyou are done you should be able to lay a transparency over their maps and the points should line up.
ESSENTIAL SOCIAL STUDIES SKILLS
Use map and globe reading skills
GEOGRAPHY STANDARDS
Acquire geographic information
Use a variety of research skills to locate and collect geographic data
Use maps to collect geographic information
Organize geographic information
Prepare various forms of maps
Integrate various types of materials to organize geographic information
Analyze geographic information
Interpret informatin obtained from maps
BENCHMARKS
The World in Spatial Terms
C. Use a map grid to answer the questions - What is this location.
OBJECTIVES
Using geographic tools students will be able to:
1. Tell the difference between latitude and longitude.
2. Locate the Equator, International Dateline, Prime Meridian, Tropic of Cancer, Tropic of Capricorn, Arctic Cirlce, Antarctic Circle, and tell the significance of each.
3. Be able to tell the latitude and longitude of any point on a map.
4. Be able to locate any point on a map after being given the latitude and longitude of that point.