Charting Neptune's Realm: Profiles

Students explore how to construct and interpret maps and globes and find information about people, places, regions, and environments.

Students discuss the importance and function of nautical maps for sailors. They, in groups, take soundings of a simulated bay in a shoebox and develop a nautical chart that enable them to navigate the shoebox safely.

Students discuss the history and purpose of cartouches. They examine examples of cartouches and design an original example with symbols of their choosing.

Students explore how to describe the Gulf Stream, how Benjamin Franklin charted it, and correctly plot it on a map.

Students locate the Trade Winds, Westerlies and Polar Easterlies on a map, explain the impact of the rotation of the Earth, and plot a route for a round trip voyage from New York to London.