Latitude & Longitude
computer exercisehandout exercisesuggested grade levels: 7- 8
view Idaho achievement standards for this lesson

Overview:
Maps are used for representing the earth on a two dimensional surface. Latitude and longitude represent cartographic lines superimposed on the surface of the earth. These lines form a grid coordinate system. This grid system is used to pinpoint locations on the surface of the earth. By doing this exercise, students will become familiar with latitude and longitude and they will learn how to assign these coordinates to places on the surface of the earth.

Materials:
A map of Idaho is needed that has latitude and longitude labeled.

Procedure:
Encourage your students to use the Digital Atlas of Idaho. To get there: Click on Atlas Home, Historical geography, Basics, then on Diagrams. Give your students the opportunity to learn by having them scroll down and read the information on the latitude and longitude coordinate system. It might be a good idea to have students work in small groups or pairs depending on how many computers there are in the classroom. After they have been given time to do this, let them apply what they have learned by doing the following exercise. Have enough copies of an Idaho map for each student or group of students

1. Determine the latitude, longitude and elevation of your home town/city.
2. Use a protractor and measure the latitude and longitude of the following:
   a. Boise
   b. Coeur d'Alene
   c. Pocatello
   d. the Equator
   e. the North Pole
   f. the South Pole
   g. the Prime Meridian

Handouts/Activities:
These are links to access the handouts and printable materials.
idoutho.pdf | Diagrams

Related Lesson Topics:
Geography: Geography Topics

Lesson plan by Vita Taube, 2000
Idaho Achievement Standards (as of 7/2001) met by completing this activity:
686.01