Understanding The World Planet Earth

Map Skills Globe - A round shape object (sphere) with a map of the world on it. Equator – An imaginary line circling the Earth that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres (it runs east and west 0° degrees) Prime Meridian – 0° degrees that runs north and south on the map. It divides the Earth into Western and Eastern Hemispheres.

Latitude Latitude - Lines that run east and west on a map, but measure the Earth’s surface in degrees north and south. 0° line is the equator. They are also called Lines of Parallel. They give us climate zones.

Longitude Longitude – Lines that run north and south on the map, but measures degrees east and west. They are also called Meridians. They give us Time Zones.

Helpful Hint ** When doing Latitude and Longitude always give Latitude FIRST! ** 40° N 75°W (Latitude) (Longitude)

Compass Rose Compass Rose – A device to show directionality.

Helpful Direction Hints North, South, East, and West are Cardinal Directions (Main Directions). Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, and Southwest are called Intermediate Directions (Secondary Directions).

Continents There are 7 Continents North America South America Europe Asia Africa Australia Antarctica

Oceans There are 4 major oceans Atlantic Ocean Pacific Ocean Indian Ocean Artic Ocean

The Three Major Latitudes Low Latitudes Middle Latitudes High Latitudes

Low Latitudes Low Latitudes – The Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn receive more direct sunlight than other parts of the world. Tropic Zones are hot and sunny ALL year long

Middle Latitudes Middle Latitudes – Climate (weather) is mostly varied 30° - 60° degrees north or south of the Equator. Cold Winters and Warm Summers same as north and south of the Equator

High Latitudes High Latitudes - 60° to 90° north or south of the Equator. This gives us the North and South Poles. Very little direct sunlight Arctic or Antarctic Regions Climate is cold most of the year