Which Direction? Latitude and Longitude

Introduce the essential question, "What are the geographical definitions of latitude, longitude, and equator?"

Show the video.

After viewing the video, ask the students to participate in a Quick Write in their Reflection Journal answering the essential question. Give the students 3 minutes and allow sharing time.

The teacher should define the terms by stating latitude are imaginary lines that run east to west (lat lays flat) and longitude are imaginary lines that run north to south (long is ready to launch). The equator is an imaginary line that runs parallel to the poles in the center of our world. Tell the students we use these geographical terms to find specific locations in our world.

Next, the teacher can model these imaginary lines by using an orange (fruit). With a black marker show the students by drawing lines horizontally on the orange. Explain these lines represent the latitude lines. Next, with your green marker draw one horizontal line around the middle or center of the orange. Explain that this is the equator. Now peel the orange and draw the students' attention to the seams between each orange slice that run vertically. Explain that these lines represent the longitude lines.  

Pass out the paper plates and have students draw these lines on the plate using the different color markers (Longitude-black, Latitude- red, and equator- green). Students should also label these lines. In closing the students can practice naming each labeled part.