We have been learning about the system of latitude and longitude that geographers use to describe the exact location of human and geographic features on a globe. During the block periods on Tuesday and Wednesday (September 29/30), we will be having a quiz in which students will be plotting locations using latitude and longitude.
Here are definitions of the two key terms:
- Latitude: the horizontal, parallel lines that run east and west on the map. A fun way to remember this is to say “latitude, flatitude”. Addresses are expressed as a number of degrees north or south of the Equator. Numbers range form 0 degrees (the Equator) to 90 degrees (the poles).
- Longitude: the vertical lines the run north and south on the map. Unlike latitude, these lines are not parallel and they all converge at the North and South Poles. Addresses are expressed as a number of degrees east or west of the Prime Meridian. Numbers range from 0 degrees (the Prime Meridian) to 180 degrees east or 180 degrees west (the antimeridian, also the location of the International Date Line).
The map to the left shows some of the most important lines of latitude and longitude (click for larger version). Try to identify the Equator, the Prime Meridian, the Tropic of Cancer, the Tropic of Capricorn, the Arctic Circle, and the Antarctic Circle.
If you would like further practice using latitude and longitude, find an atlas or US map (CIA World Factbook pdf link) and visit the Education World: Where in the World are We Vacationing? activity or try the Enchanted Learning activity. Lastly, here are many more great resources and activities.