Official U.S. government information about the
Global Positioning System (GPS) and related topics
GPS-BASED STEM CURRICULUM — MODULE 1: EARTH
Lesson 1: Are We There Yet?
Mapping It Out with Latitude & Longitude
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:
- Be able to explain the concepts of geographic coordinates, longitude and latitude
- Calculate distances on a map
- 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
- Lesson Brief (Start Here) -- Get 902.2 KB PDF
- PowerPoint Presentation -- Download 15.5 MB PPTX
- Globe
- Activity: Punching out the Globe -- Get 1.6 MB PDF
- Paper
- Heavy cardboard
- Scissors
- Tape or glue
- Worksheet: Latitude and Longitude -- Get 288.3 KB PDF
- Atlas (optional, if available)
- Navigational compass (optional, if available)
- Video: U.S. National Grid -- Watch at youtube.com
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.
