Social Studies Map Skills4th GradeGPS: SS4G1

GLOBE

A globe is a map of the Earth.

How do we know which direction a point on a map is located?

A compass rose shows the cardinal directions.

What are the cardinal directions?

The 4 cardinal directions are North, South,

East, and West.

Who creates maps?

A map maker is called a cartographer.

What are the continents?

The 7 continents are North America, South America, Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia, and Antarctica.

What are the oceans?

The 4 oceans are the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and the Arctic.

The Equator The equator is an

imaginary line located at 0 degrees LATITUDE. It runs east/west and divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern hemispheres.

The Prime Meridian

The prime meridian is an imaginary line located at 0 degrees LONGITUDE. It runs north/south and divides the Earth into the Eastern and Western hemispheres. It runs through Greenwich, England.

Latitude

Latitude is used to tell distance from the equator

Longitude

Longitude is used to tell distance from the prime meridian.

Map Scale

The scale on a map is used to find the distance between two places.

Map Legend

The legend on a map explains the symbols used on a map. It is also known as the map key.

Do you want some extra credit??The capitol of our country, the USA, is Washington DC. (DC means District of Columbia)

The capital of our state, Georgia, is Atlanta.

The tallest mountain in the world is Mount Everest.

The longest river in the world is the Nile River.