Superlesson
Project 1-1
Geometry
Chapter 1, Visual Thinking and Mathematical
Models
When you look at any model of the earth, it is important to be able to precisely describe any location on its surface. To do this, cartographers (map-makers) devised a system of longitude and latitude lines.
Part A, Geometric Models
1. Go to the University of Tennessee's Science bytes site to find an explanation of latitude and longitude.
a. Draw a picture of the earth with lines of latitude and longitude. Label the lines.
b. How many degrees of latitude are there?
c. What is the 0 degrees line of latitude called?
d. How many degrees of longitude are there?
e. What is the 0 degree line of longitude called?
Part B, Algebraic Models
2. Use the List of cities in the world to find the positions of some cities on the globe. (Note: Negative latitude means south and negative longitude means west.)
a. Find the latitude and longitude of the city or town in which you live.
b. Find the latitude and longitude of Sydney, Australia.
c. Find the latitude and longitude of Shannon, Ireland.
Part C, Making Connections
3. Which are always the same distance apart, lines of latitude or lines of longitude? Explain.