Latitude and Longitude

Latitude and longitude can be a difficult subject for a lot of middle school students.  Latitude lines run east and west, but they're measured north and south of the equator.  Longitude lines run north and south, but are measured east and west of the Prime Meridian.  

East and west... north and south...  Which goes with which?

One of the ways I get students to learn the difference between latitude and longitude is to hold their hands up to their mouths.  When you say latitude, your mouth moves the same direction of the lines.  Likewise when you say longitude.

It looks a little like this...  

Latitude:

And Longitude:

We'll work on plotting these on a map tomorrow and Friday... and then we may do a treasure hunt on Monday and Tuesday.  Don't tell anybody.

If you want extra credit, you were supposed to read and discuss the blog with an adult.  If you've done that, show the adult the latitude and longitude trick.  Then, write a sentence telling me that you actually did show them that memory trick.  Have them sign the paper.  Turn it in tomorrow for extra credit.