The Equator and the Poles  this lesson provides hands-on activities that will teach students about the poles and the equator.  Students will be labeling a globe, recreating a globe within the classroom, and researching information on the Internet.

The Sun and the Earth  The students will understand the relationship between the Earth and the sun and how this relationship affects observable phenomena on Earth, such as the seasons.  The activity will help students learn about these concepts and will reinforce their understanding by having them diagram the position of the Earth in relation to the sun during different seasons.

Introduction to Latitude and Longitude
This lesson introduces students to latitude and longitude.  They will look at lines of latitude and longitude on a United States map and discuss the reasons why these lines are helpful.  Students will also discuss the ways that temperatures vary with latitude and will explain the clothes they might wear at specific latitudes.

Planning a Road Trip
This lesson reviews latitude and longitude and asks students to figure out the latitude and longitude for several United States cities. Students will create "road trip quizzes" to test their classmates' ability to figure out locations based on their latitude and longitude.

Creating an Edible Map
Students will create a map and examine the physical geography, borders, and/or cities/towns of an area.

Geo-Trip
This activity is a multi-curriculum experience. Math, language arts, geography and social studies skills are exercised in this assignment.  The students create a travel brochure for a geographic location.

Antarctic Adventures!  This month-long ongoing lesson will give the students opportunities to learn more about Antarctica.  they will investigate and research specific information and use it to create a notebook and an information table.
 

The World Latitude and Longitude Study latitude and longitude on the map.

Crack the Code
Crafty robbers broke into the Royal Geographical Society in London and stole armfuls of priceless maps!  Crack the code to find out where the thieves are taking the loot!

Alabama Maps: Various maps of Alabama.

Maps: Symbols and Terms:  This film is rich in information about map symbols, latitude and longitude, time zones, physical and political maps, raised relief maps, and more.  United Streaming.

Maps: Types, Symbols, and Terms:  Short video from United Streaming.

Maps: Where am I?  It's hard for kids to relate the three-dimensional, horizon-oriented world they live in to the two-dimensional, vertically oriented "world" of maps. This film will help to solve that problem.  United Streaming.

Understanding and Using Maps and Globes:  This two-part Unit of Study is designed to present students with explanations of how maps and globes are used to represent key concepts about our planet. One video explores maps and the other presents information about globes. Vocabulary includes terms such as scale, compass rose, cardinal directions, symbols, latitude, longitude, equator, hemisphere, oceans and continents.  United Streaming.

Africa: People and Places:  Bisected by the equator, nurtured by the Nile, the continent of Africa unfolds. Africa's Geography — Mountains, deserts, jungles, beaches — see Africa's rich geological diversity. Flight over the Equator — Learn the traditional ways of two equatorial countries.  United Streaming.

China: People and Places:  From the sprawling, opulent palace of China's emperors to its modern gymnasiums and pools, students learn about the culture and history of China in this three-segment program.  United Streaming.

Globes and Us:  Learn about latitude and longitude, grids, degrees, minutes, seconds, time zones, scale, legends, keys, cardinal and intermediate directions, and hemispheres through live action and animation.  United Streaming.

The Scrambled States of America:  Disenchanted with their fixed places on the map, the states decide to swap spots in hopes that each can get to see a different part of the country and do something different for a change. Full of facts and fun, children will have a geography lesson like never before.  United Streaming.

Suggestions for English Language Learners: 
(E/B=Entering/Beginning, D=Developing, E=Expanding)

(E/B) Students locate and show places on maps/globes by pointing (i.e. "Here is Delaware.").
(E/B) Students describe locations of places on maps (i.e. "Wisconsin is between Minnesota and Michigan.").
(D) Students share locations of places on maps with partners (such as two-way tasks where each student has a map with half of the locations indicated).
(E) Students give directions from place to place on maps using sequential language (i.e."First, next, finally.").
(E/B, D) Students look at a map and globe to compare in a cooperative learning group. Students answer questions given by teacher using the map and globe.
(E/B, D, E) In cooperative groups, students cut out and paste the 7 continents on a poster board and label each (using an overhead or poster as a guide), and then draw/write/label the prime meridian, equator, tropic of Capricorn, tropic of Cancer,  international date line, and lines of latitude and longitude.

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