Geographers Divide the Earth's Surface
Geographers divide the Earth's surface using a grid system of lines called latitude and longitude to precisely locate any place on the planet. In Grade 3 social studies, students learn that latitude lines run east-west and measure distance from the equator, while longitude lines run north-south and measure distance from the prime meridian. Together, these coordinates allow geographers to pinpoint exact locations on maps and globes. This geographic tool is foundational for map reading and is introduced in Chapter 1 of Social Studies Alive! Our Community and Beyond. Understanding this grid system prepares students for advanced geography, navigation, and spatial reasoning.
Key Concepts
The Earth’s surface is made of two main parts: land and water. When we look at a map or a globe, we can see how they fit together to make our world.
The giant pieces of land are called continents . There are seven continents, and they are where people build their homes, cities, and countries.
Common Questions
How do geographers divide the Earth's surface?
Geographers divide the Earth's surface using a grid of intersecting lines called latitude and longitude. Latitude lines run parallel to the equator measuring north-south position, while longitude lines run through the poles measuring east-west position.
What is latitude?
Latitude lines run horizontally (east-west) around the Earth, parallel to the equator. They measure how far north or south a place is from the equator, which sits at 0 degrees latitude. The North Pole is at 90 degrees North and the South Pole at 90 degrees South.
What is longitude?
Longitude lines run vertically (north-south) from pole to pole. They measure how far east or west a place is from the prime meridian, which sits at 0 degrees longitude and passes through Greenwich, England.
What is the equator?
The equator is an imaginary circle around the middle of the Earth at 0 degrees latitude. It divides the Earth into the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere. Places near the equator generally have warm climates year-round.
When do Grade 3 students learn about latitude and longitude?
Grade 3 students are introduced to latitude and longitude in Chapter 1 (Geography) of Social Studies Alive! Our Community and Beyond, where they learn to use geographic tools to read and interpret maps.
What are hemispheres?
Hemispheres are halves of the Earth. The equator divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The prime meridian divides it into the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. Every place on Earth falls into two hemispheres.