Finding Your Way: Latitude and Longitude

What will be taught?
Students will learn how to identify absolute locations using latitude and longitude, with a focus on ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, and China. They will be introduced to the concept of latitude and longitude, how these measurements work in relation to the equator and the prime meridian, and how to use geographic coordinates to pinpoint locations on a map.

What topics will you cover?

Latitude and longitude: definitions and how they measure distances north/south and east/west.
Absolute location: how to use coordinates to find a specific place on Earth.
Historical geography: applying latitude and longitude to locate ancient civilizations (Mesopotamia, Egypt, and China).
Comparison between ancient geographic knowledge and modern tools (like maps and GIS).
How is your class structured?
The class is designed to be interactive and student-centered. It will start with a brief introduction to the key concepts of latitude and longitude using a video and slides. Next, students will dive into hands-on practice by participating in an engaging activity (“Ancient Coordinates Treasure Hunt”) where they will use real coordinates to identify the absolute locations of ancient civilizations on a map. The class will wrap up with a reflection and discussion about why these geographic tools are still important today.

How will you teach?
I will teach using a mix of video, slides, and interactive activities. We will start with a short, engaging video to explain the concepts, followed by a class discussion to ensure understanding. The lesson will include guided notes and interactive elements, like plotting locations on a map. I will use visuals and simplified explanations to make the topic accessible to all learners.

What's your teaching style?
My teaching style is highly interactive and student-centered, with a focus on engaging students in both discussion and hands-on activities. I encourage students to think critically and apply what they’ve learned in creative ways. I balance direct instruction with exploratory learning, ensuring that students can both understand the theory and apply it practically.

How much will learners get to interact with you?
Learners will interact frequently throughout the class. I will start with a lecture-style introduction using slides and a video, but most of the time will be spent on interactive activities. Students will participate in discussions where they can ask and answer questions. During the "Ancient Coordinates Treasure Hunt," I’ll work closely with students to help them navigate their maps and find locations using latitude and longitude.