Introduction: Geographers start to study a place by finding out its location. To do this we use the imaginary lines of latitude and longitude to form a global grid. Absolute location is the exact spot we find a place on the Earth using the global grid. Mapping skills include understanding the coordinates of parallel lines (latitude) and meridian lines (longitude) that make up this global grid.

Grade Level: Adaptable for grades 4-12

Connection to National Geography Standards: The geographically informed person knows and understands:

#1 How to use maps and other geographic representations, tools, and technologies to acquire, process, and report information from a spatial perspective

#7 The physical processes that shape the patterns of Earth's surface

Objectives: Students will be able to:

• identify the location of parallel and meridian coordinates.
• Illustrate their understanding of the physical shape of the continent of Africa through a mapping activity
• explain the processes that have influenced the shape of Africa

Materials:

• Examples of maps that have a grid of parallels and meridians to illustrate coordinates is helpful
• One copy of the Mapping Africa handout for each student
• Pencils (one per student)

Introducing the Lesson: Maps have a simple objective. Maps give people information that they can use to learn about a place. Discuss with students the advantages of learning the location of a place when they first begin to study it.

Procedure:

• Ask students if they can define the meaning of absolute location. Clarify definitions as needed.
• Explain the purpose of latitude (parallel) lines and longitude (meridian) lines. Make sure that it is clear to students that this are imaginary lines we use to map the surface of the Earth.
• Show students map examples of places located on coordinates.
• Tell students that they will get to practice finding coordinates on a grid. They will each create a grid so they can each make their own map of Africa.
• Go over the directions with students on how to create their maps.

Assessment: Students should demonstrate their understanding of grids and parallels and meridians, and by accurately making a grid and pinpointing coordinates on the grid to create a map of Africa.