In this longitude instructional activity, students read about how to determine the longitude of location while at sea and they answer 5 questions about calculating longitude.

Historians have proven that as early as 1497 skilled navigators were using a kamal to sail across oceans. Scholars learn about navigation tools and astronomy before building their own kamals. They then learn how to use it to determine...

Students in this exercise are introduced to the distinct ways of measuring distance (nautical miles) and speed (knots) at sea, as well as the concepts of latitude and longitude for establishing location.

Students track the research cruise of the Ronald H. Brown from San Diego to the Galapagos Islands. They match research groups with the key words, using the ship's daily logs to find the answers.

Students determine their latitude using a protracdtor and/or cross-staff to find the altitude of Polaris.

Extensive background on marine navigation is provided for you as the teacher. Assign groups to research marine navigation techniques and construct astrolabes. Resource links are listed for extension ideas. If you are teaching an...

Sudents examine the types of instruments that can be used for marine navigation and position-finding. They practice using an astrolabe to solve trigonometric problems.