1. Essential Parts of a map
Debra Fisher-Nichols
Elmore Park Middle
6th Grade Social Studies

2. Terms to know… Compass Rose- shows direction: north, south, east, west
Map key (legend)- shows what symbols mean on a map
Latitude- measures north and south of the equator
Longitude- measures east and west from the prime meridian.
Equator- an imaginary line drawn around the earth to divide it into the northern and southern hemispheres; latitude 0 degrees
Prime Meridian- an imaginary line drawn around the earth to divide it into eastern and western hemispheres; longitude 0 degrees
Tropic of Cancer degrees North of the Equator
Tropic of Capricorn degrees South of the Equator

3. Let’s Practice…
Red- Equator
Blue- Prime Meridian

4. Paper Plate Atlas
First, fold your plate in half three times (fold in half, then fold each half in half and once more, fold in half) You will have seven lines.
Next, Label the following
Equator- Red-labeled 0 degrees Latitude
Latitude lines-Green-label the degrees
Prime Meridian- Blue- labeled 0 degrees Longitude
Tropic of Cancer (23.5 degrees N)- Orange
Tropic of Capricorn (23.5 degrees S)-Yellow
North Pole and South Pole (90 degrees N and S)- Purple-labeled 90 degrees N or S
Draw the following on the back:
1. Compass Rose with N, S, E, W
2. Map Key showing what the colors represent