Lesson 2
Instructional Objectives
In this lesson, the students will be able to understand and use longitude and latitude to locate coordinates on the world map. They will apply this knowledge to the placement of their own continent on the world map.
Advanced Preparation/Prerequisite Knowledge/Skills/Materials/Resources Required
The students will need a copy of the World Rescue Team Activity Sheet (Teacher Answer Sheet), scratch paper, colored pencils and a copy of the World Map. The teacher will have to determine at which level of understanding to begin instruction. Review the vocabulary to the left of this page. Explain to the students that latitude runs flat and have them hold their arms straight out from their sides and repeat, "latitude is flatitude." Then, explain that longitude runs "long-ways,"and have them hold their hands straight up and repeat, "longitude is long-ga-tude." I also find it necessary to review the directional coordinates: North, East, South and West, and remind students that they are in order clockwise on the map. It doesn't hurt to review your favorite mnemonic device, such as Never Eat Soggy Worms.
Time Required
One to Two Class Periods
Vocabulary
Longitude Latitude Equator
Assessment/Evaluation
This may be collected and reviewed by the teacher using the Answer Sheet for the Teacher or corrected as a review in class the next day. The students will need these activity sheets as they will use them for reference while working on their continent projects.
Procedures/Activities
Using a computer projection equipment/Averkey or overhead of a world map from the Educplace website, demonstrate the procedure of finding coordinates using longitude and latitude. To check for understanding, place a dot on the overhead map and have the students write the coordinates on scratch paper. A quick walk around the room will let you know how you are doing. When most of the students begin to catch on, tell them that due to a poorly planned field trip, the class is stranded in a life boat at sea. There is no food or water and sharks are beginning to circle the boat. All there is, is the knowledge that the captain of the ship managed to radio the coordinates to the World Rescue Team for Help. The only hope is that they find you in time. Choose two students to be the World Rescue Team and have them come to the overhead projector. Write a pair of coordinates on the board (For example: 30S, 60W) and start the timer, allowing about a minute . As the students work to find the answer, play it up for the class. Narrate the search, explaining that the boat has sprung a leak and only seconds remain before the sharks attack. If the rescue team makes it, cheer. If they don't, a small simulated feeding frenzy of sharks might be called for. After several classroom simulations, the students should be ready to play "World Rescue Team" in Small Groups.
Web Resources for Lesson 2
This is a great place to download and print free outline maps
This is a fun site that allows students to look up the longitude and latitude of any city on Earth
Homework
Pass out the World Rescue Team Activity Sheet and World Map. Read directions to/with the students. Allow them to complete the activity as a group. Monitor student interaction to make sure all are participating. Intervene where there is misunderstanding in the procedure. • The final demonstration of mastery in this lesson is for the students to place their continent on the world map. Explain that there are seven continents and that theirs will make an imaginary eighth. Have them draw a smaller outline version of their continent on the world map (continents may only be placed in the oceans, not over existing continents). Students will determined what the longitude and latitude is at the center of their continent and write it on the map just below where their continent is drawn.
PDF Files/Illustrative Materials
• In order to access the worksheets and answer keys included in this site, you will need to have Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. If you do not have it, you may download it for free at the link below.
Extensions
I have students use the Astro website listed to find the longtitude and latitude of cities around the world. Students earn extra credit points for each city they are able to correctly locate up to a maximum of ten (10) points.
