The Global Grapefruit - Maps vs Globes

Learners explore the concept of relative location. In this map instructional activity, students read I Hate English by Ellen Levine and consider how maps and globes help people to familiarize themselves with an area.

Students investigate how to use a globe. In this map skills lesson, students define what a globe is and locate the various continents on the globe. Students are also asked to locate the four oceans on the globe.

Students identify the Equator, North Pole, and South Pole on a map. In this geography instructional activity, students use a world map and circle the North and South Pole. Students locate the Equator on a globe and use a map marker to...

Fifth graders experiment with an orange to understand what happens when a map is flattened out.  In this global maps lesson, 5th graders recognize the reason for the distortion of a flat map. 

Learners explore cartography.  In this map skills and map making instructional activity, Students work in groups to create wall size world maps including legends, compass roses, latitude and longitude, and physical features.  Learners...

Middle schoolers locate different places on globes and maps by learning about latitude and longitude lines. In this latitude and longitude lesson plan, students identify specific locations based on the degrees of latitude and longitude.

Students discuss the origin of various maps focusing on the values behind them. Students also explore how human needs and geography influence community settlement patterns. Students extend learning by creating and mapping their own ideal...

Students partcipate in activities in which they examine different map projections. They discover the positives and negatives of each type. They use grapefruits to help them with the different types of map projections.

Students analyze maps of trade patterns between the United States and other nations. They explain the terms complementarity, transferability, and intervening opportunities and explain factors that may influence the production of goods.

Students explore how to use the grid system to locate areas on a map and to help students explain that geography puts emphasis on "place."