Grades 4–5
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.
Social studies worksheet · Maps and cardinal directions
Map or Globe?
12 sentences that compare maps and globes: Which one can fold into a pocket? Which one shows the true shapes of the continents? Answer key included.
- Grade level
- Grades 1–3
- Time
- About 15 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
“A globe is a round model of the Earth. A map is a flat drawing. Circle G for globe or M for map.”
Printed on the sheet:
- 1. It is round like a ball.
- You can fold it and put it in your pocket.
- 3. It spins on a stand.
- It can show one small town up close.
- It shows the true shapes of the continents.
- It is a model of the whole
- You can see the whole
- 8. world at once on one side of it.
Teacher tip
Pass around a globe and a folded map.
How to use it
- Label north, south, east and west on the classroom walls before the sheet.
- Play a quick direction game: “Take two steps north.”
- Start with a quick question that connects the topic to kids’ own lives.
Watch for
Kids who think north means “up” on any page. Turn the map and talk about it.
Talk about it
- How would you give a friend directions to your house?
- How does this connect to where we live?
Take it further
Hide a treasure in the classroom and give directions to find it.
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 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.
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.
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