Latitude identifies locations or distances in degrees north or south of the
equator. Also note that each of these lines is numbered in degrees. The equator is
numbered 0< latitude. In the northern half of the globe or map, latitude is measured
from 0< at the equator to 90< at the North Pole. The same is true for the southern half
of the globe. Locations north of the equator are referred to by degrees north latitude.
Other lines on the globe or map pass through the poles. These lines are called
meridians or lines of longitude. Longitude identifies locations or distances east or
west of the prime meridian. They divide the Earth into 360< similar to a sphere. Unlike
lines of latitude, meridians are not parallel. They are farthest apart at the equator.
They get closer together as they reach the poles, where the meridians meet. The
starting point of longitude is called the prime meridian, which represents 0< longitude.
The east and west longitude lines meet at the 180< meridian. This line is called the
International Date Line.
ANSWERS: 1. Reno; 2. Lisbon; 3. Vorkata; 4. Eureka; 5. Norfolki; 6.
Santiago; 7. Winnipeg; 8. Oslo; 9. Buchara; 10. Sorang
READING A GLOBE
LAB
We can identify locations as
precise points on the Earth’s surface by
using a grid system of latitude and
longitude. The use of giving a North
and South direction (latitude) and an
East and West direction (longitude) is
used through the world. This system
aids us in measuring distances and
finding directions between and among
places on the Earth’s surface. The
starting point is the prime meridian, with
represents 0º longitude. The exact
opposite position at 180º is called the
International Date Line, which is where
the date actually changes. So if you are
going from Monday in California, and cross the International Date Line going to Japan. It
would be Tuesday! You have to start the day somewhere.
Math/Science Nucleus © 2000 15
READING MAPS
LAB
PROBLEM: How can you locate different locations on the globe?
HYPOTHESIS:
MATERIALS: lab sheet, inflatable globe
PROCEDURE:
1. Find the city that is closest to the given latitude and longitude. Write its name in the
blank spaces.
2. When you are finished, answer the questions in the conclusion.
1. 40< N, 120< W :
2. 40< N, 10< W :
3. 68<N, 65 4. 41<N, 125 5. 28<S, 165 6. 20<N, 70 7. 50<N, 100 8. 59<N, 11 9. 39<N, 69 10. 2<S, 133 CONCLUSION: Was it easy or difficult to use latitude and longitude to find the cities on the
globe?
Why is knowing your latitude and longitude more important on the ocean than on the land?
Math/Science Nucleus © 2000 16
Teacher note
For this exercise, the students will need to know various types of symbols used in
topographic maps. Go over the different types of symbols (refer to U.S. Geological
Survey publication on symbols.) Show them a real topographic map of the area. Give
them a xerox of the area around the school and have them complete the lab sheet.
Show students a real U.S. Geological Survey map of the area. The students will
answer the questions from a section of the map that you have prepared.
Ask: Why would people care about the migration patterns of animals? Possible
answers might include: People would want to know if industrialization might interfere with
migration patterns, or People would want to know if the numbers of animals are
increasing or decreasing.
Go over the different symbols that are used on a topographic map. You can find
the complete symbols on the U.S. Geological Survey site or use the ones listed below.
If you cannot find a local topographic map, you can go to the U.S. Geological
Survey website that can help you locate the map that you would like.
http://mcmcweb.er.usgs.gov/topomaps/
TOPOGRAPHIC MAP OF LOCAL AREA
LAB
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Math/Science Nucleus © 2000 18
TOPOGRAPHIC MAP OF LOCAL AREA
LAB
PROBLEM: How are topographic maps be used to find locations and features where you
live?
HYPOTHESIS:
PROCEDURE:
Use the topographic map that your teacher gives you to answer the questions on the lab sheet.
MATERIALS: 7 1/2′ quadrangle topographic map of local area, xerox copy of immediate
school area
1. Orient your map by turning it so that the top is north.
2. Draw the following symbols:
building:
school:
church:
road:
3. What is the name of your map?
4. What year was your map first published? What year was your map revised?
5. What is the contour interval of your map?
6. Find your school on the map and circle it on a xerox copy of the map. (If you do not have
a copy follow your teachers instructions.)
7. Find your home on the map and circle it on a xerox copy of the map.
8. Using a colored pencil trace the route from your house to your school on a copy of the map.
9. What is the distance from your house to school?
