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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Introduction to Latitude and Longitude

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/01/gk2/longlat.html

A lesson plan for Grade 3 Social Studies

Provider: National Geographic

About this resource

Appropriate grades
3
Subjects
social studies (geography), thinking skills (information literacy), teaching methods (demonstrations and modeling)
Provider
National Geographic

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In this Xpeditions lesson, students are introduced to latitude and longitude.

Students will:

  • contribute words to describe what they know about or notice on United States and world maps;
  • look at the lines of latitude and longitude on a map, and explain why these lines might be helpful;
  • determine the latitude and longitude of their home town and a few other places in the country;
  • discuss how climate varies with latitude; and
  • explain what they might be wearing at various latitudes during specified months.

Xpeditions provides links to a helpful activity and online maps, detailed instructions for completing the lesson, and suggestions for assessment and extension activities.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Social Studies (2003)

Grade 3

  • Goal 4: The learner will explain geographic concepts and the relationship between people and geography in real life situations.
    • Objective 4.01: Distinguish between various types of maps and globes.
    • Objective 4.02: Use appropriate source maps to locate communities.
    • Objective 4.03: Use geographic terminology to describe and explain variations in the physical environment as communities.