What are some great lesson plans to teach longitude and latitude in middle school?

Answer by  teach2live (7)

Tracking a famous hurricane's path or tracking the migration of a specific bird or mammal (like whales) are just two of the ways you can integrate latitude and longitude lesson plans and still keep the kids interested. Check Discovery or the History Channel sites for more lesson plans or detailed ideas.

Answer by  mammakat (11147)

I would consult the internet, there are amazing lesson plans. Use historical stories to create interest, like how Columbus got lost, etc. Consult the History Channel and Discovery online for ideas. Use visuals, and consult Americorps- we were taught very well on teaching concepts in visual and tactile ways.

Answer by  PeterR (6)

I have always taught this concept with a mnemonic device. First, latitude sounds similar to ladder - if you think of a ladder the rungs are horizontal. The way to remember longitude is that if the ladder rungs are horizontal the LONG rails go vertical. Kids always relate to this.

Answer by  mediajunkie (592)

Use the differences in time zone between countries to teach about latitude and temperatures and seasons for longitude. Summer/winter vacation planning would make a good and interesting lesson plan that would also increase the cultural awareness of students.

Answer by  patti (29325)

LONGitude goes around the earth, parallel to the equator, so the line is never ending or broken, hence it is LONG. Latitudes, which terminate at the poles, are the other lines. Make it hands-on for your students by giving them cities to locate and note the latitude and longitude. Teach them about LONGitude and they'll never forget which is which.

Answer by  Ginakeys (178)

Use both a "flat map" and a globe. Demonstrate the concept that the world cannot be placed on a map accurately (distortions). Show how latititude lines are "fLAT", while LONGitude lines are long and converge. Use your fingers on a globe to show the differences, and also on the map. Introduce the equator, the Prime Meridian, and the Poles.

Answer by  golden (348)

Show a world map and point out the latitude and longitude of certain places. Have students identify "sister" cities based on latitude and longitude to their city of residence. Encourage students to use a globe to learn about latitude and longitude.