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Geography · Grade 5

Coordinates, Scale and Projection

Learners sharpen their use of latitude and longitude to the half degree, find places on a world map from coordinates and estimate north–south distances (1° of latitude is about 69 miles). They then read map scale written as a ratio such as 1:100,000, and discover why every flat world map stretches something, so they can choose a globe, a Mercator map or an equal-area map for a job.

  • 4 lessons
  • About 85 minutes
  • Coordinates, scale and projection check: 10 questions
  • Ways to answer: fill in the blanks, choose an answer, pin a map, match pairs, type a number and sort into groups
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What learners will discover

  • Read and give coordinates in whole and half degrees, latitude first, and name the hemispheres a place is in.
  • Locate places on a world map from their coordinates and use degrees of latitude to estimate north–south distance.
  • Use a map scale written as a ratio or a bar to change map distances into real distances.
  • Explain why flat maps distort the globe, compare Mercator and equal-area maps, and choose a map that fits a purpose.

Lessons

  1. Latitude and longitude to the half degree 7 steps3 practiceabout 18 min
  2. Pin it: from coordinates to places 9 steps4 practiceabout 22 min
  3. Scale as a ratio 9 steps4 practiceabout 22 min
  4. Globes, flat maps and projections 8 steps4 practiceabout 23 min
  5. Coordinates, scale and projection check 10 questions at the end

Keep exploring

Games to practice with

  • Globe ExplorerSpin a real 3D globe, flip to the flat map, and find continents, oceans and countries.
  • Pin the PlanetDrag the pin onto wonders, cities and exact latitude and longitude points.
  • Mapmaker QuestFollow directions to make a map, then read its legend, compass rose and scale.

More 5th grade geography

Guide for grown-ups