Grades 1–3
A Bird’s-Eye View Map
Kids learn what a bird’s-eye view is, then draw a map of their bedroom or classroom from above with a map key of 4 symbols.
Social studies worksheet · Maps and cardinal directions
Latitude and Longitude
Learn how lines of latitude and longitude work (the equator is 0°, the poles are 90°, the prime meridian runs through Greenwich), then answer 8 questions.
- Grade level
- Grades 4–5
- Time
- About 20 minutes
- Answer key
- Yes, page 2 of the PDF
- Kids practice
- Map skills, Cardinal and intermediate directions, Grids and coordinates, Map keys and scale
What kids do
“Read the box about the lines on a globe, then answer the questions.”
Printed on the sheet:
- Lines of latitude run east and west, like the rungs of a ladder. They tell how far north or south of the equator a place is.
- The equator is 0° latitude. The North Pole is 90° north and the South Pole is 90° south.
- Lines of longitude run from pole to pole. They tell how far east or west of the prime meridian a place is.
- The prime meridian is 0° longitude. It runs through Greenwich, in London, England.
- Longitude goes up to 180° east and west.
- 2. What is the latitude of the North
- 4. Which lines tell how far north or south a place is?
- 6. The prime meridian runs through which city?
Teacher tip
Show the lines on a globe before kids answer.
How to use it
- Look at a real map of your town or school together first.
- Show a map on the document camera and model one question.
- Pair it with a picture book or a short video on the same topic.
Watch for
Kids who think north means “up” on any page. Turn the map and talk about it.
Talk about it
- Which way is north in our classroom?
- What did you learn that surprised you?
Take it further
Make a class map of the playground with a key.
US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.
More maps and cardinal directions worksheets
Grades 2–4
Zoo Map Grid
A 6 by 6 lettered zoo map: find what is in each square, write the square for each animal and follow directions from one exhibit to another.
Grades 2–5
Kinds of Maps
Match 7 kinds of maps, from road maps and weather maps to physical, political and transit maps, to what each one shows.
Grades 2–5
From My Home to School
Kids draw a route map from home to school with landmarks along the way, then write step-by-step directions using north, south, east and west.
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