Lesson 1- The

World in Spatial

Terms

Take 60 seconds to silently think about

how we show location...

There are 4 cardinal directions around the

classroom. If you are sitting in the East

position, share with your table your ideas!

The Basics of Geography❏ Maps and globes are ways we represent the Earth.❏ Maps are flat! Since the actual Earth is not really flat, size

and distance on maps are sometimes inaccurate. ❏ Maps and globes use a grid system of intersecting lines to

show specific locations.❏ What are these lines called?

Parallels and Meridians

❏ Geographers are people who study geography.

❏ Geographers created a grid system of intersecting lines that consist of lines of latitude and lines of longitude.

❏ What do we know about these kinds of lines?

Parallels ❏ Lines of latitude run from east to west.

❏ Lines of latitude are also called parallels.

❏ Parallels measure distance from the Equator.

Meridians❏ Lines of longitude run

from north to south. ❏ Lines of longitude are

also called meridians.❏ Meridians measure

distance from the Prime Meridian.

Location, Location, Location!❏ Latitude and longitude can be used to

make generalizations about climate. Why do you think this is?

❏ Relative location- the location of a place in relationship to landmarks.❏ Examples?

❏ Absolute location- the exact location of any place on Earth. Every spot on Earth has an absolute location.❏ Examples?

Location, Location, Location!

Relative location examples: “My house is 4 houses down from the corner.” “Canada is north of the United States.” “My dog sleeps on the side of my house.” “I live next to Lake Pleasant.”

Absolute location examples: “123 Main Street” “The United States Capitol is located at First St SE in Washington, DC 20004.” “The absolute location of the U.S. Capitol in latitude/longitude is 38° 53′ 35″ N, 77° 00′ 32″ W”

STOP!Latitude and longitude practice...