GPS-BASED STEM CURRICULUM — MODULE 1: EARTH

Lesson 1: Are We There Yet?
Mapping It Out with Latitude & Longitude

Animation of rotating Earth

Overview

Grade Level Content Standards for 6-8th
Subjects Physical Science or Earth & Space Science
Duration Preparation: Minimum (<15 min)
Activity: 1.5 hour class time
Setting Classroom with internet and PowerPoint

Objectives

In this lesson students will:

  1. Be able to explain the concepts of geographic coordinates, longitude and latitude
  2. Calculate distances on a map
  3. Understand the distortions and differences between types of 3D and 2D maps

Activity Summary

In this lesson, students will be introduced to locating points on Earth using geographic coordinates. They will be introduced to the types of models used to understand the shape and locations on Earth's surface. Students will get to engage in fun activities like creating their own paper globe, finding the geographic locations of famous cities, using a compass and calculating the travel time to Disneyland.

Materials

Some links on this page lead to content in the Portable Document Format (PDF) and may require you to install PDF software. Get software

Some links on this page lead to content in Microsoft PowerPoint (PPT) format and may require you to install PowerPoint reader software. Get software

This page includes links to non-governmental websites for educational purposes only. The U.S. government does not endorse any non-governmental products, services, or views.

STEM Curriculum: