Geography Lesson Plans - Latitude & Longitude

Latitiude and Longitude

I have some very concrete 6th graders this year. I divided my classroom into the northern hemisphere and the southern hemisphere. My equator is the center aisle which divides my rows of desks. We spent a class period assigning approximate latitudes to the various rows. Kids know they sit at 45 degrees North or 45 degrees South, at 60 degrees North or 60 degrees South. I even have a student who sits at the North Pole (90 degrees North) and at the South Pole (90 degrees South).

I also have them participate in my "latitude dance." Stand on the equator, arms outstretched to your sides. Sway left and right and chant
- "Latitude lines go left and right, but measure North or South" As you say North stand on tiptoes and reach up, as you say South, bend at the knees. Repeat several times. The kids love it and when I gave a test last week, I could see kids swaying back and forth in their seats!
Submitted by: Deb Weissman