Lesson Two:

This lesson introduces the vocabulary: latitude, longitude, equator, and prime meridian,
as well as the four hemispheres: Northeast, Southeast, Northwest, and Southwest. Students label
all eight of these things on the maps used in the previous lesson. Then, they practice finding the
latitude and longitude of different place around the USA. Students apply their new found
knowledge by using the made up country and creating worksheets for the partner. They give
either place and their partner must find the latitude and longitude (and vice versa).
Objective
Identify the difference between
latitude and longitude
Locate equator and prime
meridian on a map
Be able to identify the four
hemispheres

Be able to find the coordinates

of a city, using a map

Be able to find the city on a

map based off of given
coordinates

Standard

G1.0.3 Identify and describe the

characteristics and purposes of a
variety of geographic tools and
technologies (e.g., globe, map,
satellite image).
G1.0.2 Use cardinal and
intermediate directions to
describe the relative location of
significant places in the
United States.
G1.0.2 Use cardinal and
intermediate directions to
describe the relative location of
significant places in the
United States.

Interdisciplinary

ART.D.I.4.2 Explore using

different parts of the body
to execute the same nonlocomotor/axial
movements in personal
space. Use directional
changes: forward,
backward, sideward,
downward.

*Students did not use technology in this lesson*

Assessments:
For the preassessment the students were asked to fill out their paper compasses using the
appropriate directional arrows (NSEW). This allowed me to see who knew their directions, as
this would affect how they understood the hemispheres. There were a fair number of students
who said they had used compasses before, and after labeling one direction, students were able to
fill out their paper compasses appropriately.
During the lesson I was able to informally assess my students by putting motions to the
words latitude and longitude. We played a game of Simon Says. When I said latitude they had
to put their arms out flat. When I said longitude, they had to put their hands together above their
heads in a straight line. Going back and forth between these quickly helped me to see who
remembered the difference between latitude and longitude. A formative assessment that I did

during the lesson was to see who could label the equator, prime meridian, and the hemispheres
correctly.
For a formal assessment students had worksheets to fill out. They also created worksheets
for the partners to complete using latitude and longitude coordinates. This allowed me to see who
understood how to read latitude and longitude coordinates, and who knew how to write them
correctly. It showed me who could find a location based on coordinates.