Naming Special Lines of Latitude

This tool will introduce learners to lines of latitude that have names. The learner will locate and label the important lines of latitude on a map.

Engaging Questions

  • What is the name for sixty-six and one half degrees north latitude?

  • Name the two important latitudes that you live between.

  • What is the name for twenty-three and one half degrees north latitude?

  • What is the name for zero degrees latitude?

  • What is the name for sixty-six and one half degrees south latitude?

  • What is the name for twenty-three and one half degrees south latitude?

Teacher Goals

  • Given a map of the world with the lines of latitude and longitude, the learner will locate and label the lines of latitude that have a special name.

Required Resources

Optional Resources

  • Social Studies textbook

Steps

  1. Student Notes

    Read the student notes to find out about the lines of latitude that have a special name.

  2. Map of the World

    Print a copy of the map to use with the steps in this tool.

  3. Continents

    Label the continents on map of the world.

  4. Equator

    Trace the Equator dark red with a map pencil and label it.

  5. Tropic of Capricorn

    Trace the Tropic of Capricorn dark orange with a map pencil and label it.

  6. Tropic of Cancer

    Trace the Tropic of Cancer dark purple with a map pencil and label it.

  7. Arctic Circle

    Trace the Arctic Circle dark blue with a map pencil and label it.

  8. Antarctic Circle

    Trace the Antarctic Circle dark green with a map pencil and label it.

  9. Between Equator and Tropic of Capricorn

    Color the continents between the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn light orange with a map pencil.

  10. Between Equator and Tropic of Cancer

    Color the continents between the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer light purple with a map pencil.

  11. Between Tropic of Capricorn and Antarctic Circle

    Color the continents between Tropic of Capricorn and the Antarctic Circle light green with a map pencil.

  12. Between Tropic of Cancer and Arctic Circle

    Color the continents between the Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic Circle light blue with a map pencil.

Teacher Notes

  • There are several important lines of latitude that have names. They are the Equator, the Tropic of Capricorn, the Tropic of Cancer, the Arctic Circle, and the Antarctic Circle. The position of the sun make these latitudes important.

    An overhead transparency can be made and used if students need a demonstration.

  • Duration: This tool will take about 30 minutes.

Learner Notes

  • You will learn to find lines of latitude that have a special name.

    There are several important lines of latitude that have names. They are the Equator, the Tropic of Capricorn, the Tropic of Cancer, the Arctic Circle, and the Antarctic Circle. The position of the sun make these latitudes important.

    The Equator is zero degrees latitude and divides the Earth into equal parts. A line twenty-three and one half degrees south of the Equator is called the Tropic of Capricorn. The Tropic of Capricorn is important because it the southernmost line over which the sun shines directly. A line twenty-three and one half degrees north of the Equator is called the Tropic of Cancer. The Tropic of Cancer is important because it is the northernmost line over which the sun shines directly.

    The Arctic Circle is sixty-six and one half degrees north of the Equator and the Antarctic Circle is sixty-six and one half degrees south of the Equator. The area between the Arctic Circle and the North Pole has daylight six months of the year and night the other six months of the year. The area between the Antarctic Circle and the South Pole has daylight six months of the year and night the other six months of the year. The sun does not shine directly overhead in either of these areas

Mentor Notes

  • There are several important lines of latitude that have names. They are the Equator, the Tropic of Capricorn, the Tropic of Cancer, the Arctic Circle, and the Antarctic Circle. The position of the sun make these latitudes important.

    The learner may work independently or be guided throught the steps.

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