Teaching Latitude and Longitude to Elementary Students Using Technology
I begin my one-hour lesson with the globe. We look at it. Practice saying longitude and latitude while trying to remember which is which. I give a tip that the "flat" lines rhyme with latitude....flatitude, latitude. The long, up and down lines, begin with the word "long." I find that even fourth and fifth graders need review on these terms.
Next we discuss the uses of latitude and longitude in regards to finding locations and absolute location. At this point I like to talk about the various GPS devices that are commonly found in households today including the navigation systems in cars and hand-held GPS units.
Next I share some background information about the fun adventure of geo-caching which is a treasure hunt all over the world using given latitude and longitude. Often I find one child who has heard of this before.
Finally, I discuss the Confluence project. We talk about the term confluence. Most often the term is used to define the meeting place between two rivers or two sections within one river. In the case of the Confluence latitude and longitude project, it is where the whole number latitude and longitude lines meet.
My first lesson on this topic usually focuses on our own state so I give a handout with the web address and the confluences of Michigan with the direction to check out each location. I first show a couple of the locations and share the neat stories that are shared in finding the confluences. And, of course, we find the one closest to our home.
Send your students out to actually "see" where latitude and longitude meet. This makes those invisible lines have meaning! As I've done this lesson over and over during the past I find the adults and parents walking by are even more intrigued by the Confluence Project and the idea of being able to see each meeting place.
Visit http://www.confluence.org Just before sending the students off at the end of class I remind them to share this idea at the dinner table when Mom and Dad ask what they learned in school today! Bet they can stump their parents by mentioning "Confluence" and kids love doing that!
Interested in other technology-rich lessons? Download a free project at http://technologylessonsforteachers.com
Kathy Cothran is an elementary media specialist committed to helping teachers turn toys into learning tools. Her vast teaching experience ranges from preschool through Master's level education classes.
For years Kathy has been a "Gadget Girl." She loves technology! Tie that to her extensive teaching background and she has been able to interest, invigorate, and inspire children and teachers to use technology in a rich, exciting manner.
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