Section 1
Maps Track Earth's Features from Above
Maps show Earth's land features and human-made elements as viewed from above, while globes represent Earth from space. Relief maps display elevations of mountains, plains, and plateaus.
In this Grade 6 Earth Science lesson from Chapter 1, students learn how maps and globes serve as models of Earth's surface, exploring key concepts such as relief maps, map scale, map legends, latitude, longitude, and map projection. Students discover how to find exact locations on Earth using the equator, prime meridian, and coordinate systems, and why all flat maps distort Earth's curved surface. The lesson also examines the differences between maps and globes in representing natural and human-made features.
Section 1
Maps Track Earth's Features from Above
Maps show Earth's land features and human-made elements as viewed from above, while globes represent Earth from space. Relief maps display elevations of mountains, plains, and plateaus.
Section 2
Latitude and Longitude Pinpoint Exact Locations
Latitude measures distance in degrees north or south of the equator (0°), while longitude measures degrees east or west of the prime meridian (0°). Together, they create coordinates for any location.
Section 3
Map Projections Transform Curved Earth onto Flat Surfaces
Mercator, conic, and planar projections each represent Earth's spherical surface on flat maps. Every projection type accurately shows certain regions while distorting others in size and shape.
Section 4
Contour Lines Reveal Land Shapes and Elevations
Topographic maps use contour lines connecting points of equal elevation to show three-dimensional features like mountains and valleys on two-dimensional surfaces, helping people visualize terrain changes.
Section 5
GPS Satellites Calculate Positions Anywhere on Earth
The Global Positioning System uses 24 satellites to determine a receiver's exact latitude, longitude, and elevation. Pilots, hikers, and drivers rely on GPS technology to navigate precisely.
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Section 1
Maps Track Earth's Features from Above
Maps show Earth's land features and human-made elements as viewed from above, while globes represent Earth from space. Relief maps display elevations of mountains, plains, and plateaus.
Section 2
Latitude and Longitude Pinpoint Exact Locations
Latitude measures distance in degrees north or south of the equator (0°), while longitude measures degrees east or west of the prime meridian (0°). Together, they create coordinates for any location.
Section 3
Map Projections Transform Curved Earth onto Flat Surfaces
Mercator, conic, and planar projections each represent Earth's spherical surface on flat maps. Every projection type accurately shows certain regions while distorting others in size and shape.
Section 4
Contour Lines Reveal Land Shapes and Elevations
Topographic maps use contour lines connecting points of equal elevation to show three-dimensional features like mountains and valleys on two-dimensional surfaces, helping people visualize terrain changes.
Section 5
GPS Satellites Calculate Positions Anywhere on Earth
The Global Positioning System uses 24 satellites to determine a receiver's exact latitude, longitude, and elevation. Pilots, hikers, and drivers rely on GPS technology to navigate precisely.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter