Latitude and LongitudeMini Lesson - Grade 8

Essential Question:How is absolute location found?

Objective: SWBAT:Locate places on earth, using latitude and longitude.

Why use latitude and longitude?lines on a globe form a grid systemhelp locate places on the earth easilyLatitude - or parallels circle the earth parallel to the equator

Longitude - or meridians circle the earth from pole to pole

Latitude● Latitude lines measure

distance north and south of the equator.

● The equator is 0 degrees.● At what degrees is the

North Pole? South Pole?● How did you determine

this?

Longitude● Lines of longitude

measure distance east and west of the Prime Meridian.

● The Prime Meridian is 0 degrees longitude.

● The Prime Meridian runs through Greenwich, England.

Absolute LocationTogether the lines form a grid system which enables us to find the absolute location of a place on earth

Absolute LocationOnly one place on earth can be found at the

specific point where a specific line of latitude crosses a specific point of longitude.

By using degrees and minutes, people can locate a precise spot on earth.

Mystery - How do we differentiate between the Equator and Prime Meridian is they are both at 0 degrees????

Latitude is always first!

When giving a coordinate or trying to find a place on earth, latitude must always be given first.

So….. If trying to find 0, 30W, you know 0 degrees is referring to the equator, why?

Finding locationsSince latitude measures distance north or south of equator, it must always have a N or S after it.

For example: 10 N, 60 ELongitude measures distance east and west of the Prime Meridian so it must alway be given second and have a E or W after it.

Where in the world is it?● Continent at 40 N, 100 E?● Ocean at 20 S, 80 E● Continent at 80 S, 0Give the coordinates of Africa and Europe

What did you learn?

1.Why are latitude and longitude important?

2.What does latitude measure? Longitude?

3.If you are giving the coordinates 45 N, 0 , how do you know what line zero refers to?

4.Explain… Any questions?