Map Reading
Grades: 4 – 6
Focus Questions: How can longitude and latitude be used to locate a place on a map?
Lesson at a Glance: Students will use the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands map to orient themselves to the points of the compass, identify the location of atolls or islands given map coordinates, and measure the distance between two points on the map.
Key Concepts: Maps can be used to visualize the geography of a particular area and to determine the location of a place relative to other places. The map of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands shows the relative position of the islands and atolls from Kaua‘i to Kure. The position of each island and atoll can be identified by using the coordinates of the map to determine its position relative to the Prime Meridan and the Equator. Degrees of longitude are measures of distance East or West of the Prime Merdian, and degrees of latitude are measures of distance North or South of the Equator.
Objectives: Students will be able to:
- Identify the points of the compass (North, South, East, and West) on a map.
- Identify longitude and latitude on a map.
- Use coordinates to determine the location of an island or atoll.
- Use the map legend to determine the distance between two islands or atolls.
Time: 30 – 45 minutes
Materials: Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) Map, 5" section of string to measure distance, globe or world map. Full size (16"X30") are available from Bishop Museum by calling 848-4168. Smaller maps (8.5"X11") can be downloaded with this lesson plan.
Preparation and
Procedure: Teachers should review the directions of North, South, East, and West, and the concepts of longitude and latitude on a globe or world map prior to starting this lesson. The Prime Meridian and Equator should be identified for the students as a means of explaining longitude and latitude. The globe or world map can be used to orient students to the part of the Pacific Ocean that is highlighted on the NWHI map. Students should use the Main Map Legend to identify True North and label the borders of the map with North, South, East, and West. A five inch piece of string and the map legend should be used to demonstrate how the distance between two points can be measured on a map. Teachers should explain that the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands are part of the Hawaiian archipelago, and include mostly uninhabited islands and atolls that are much older than the islands between Hawai‘i and Kaua‘i. The map insets can be used to demonstrate the difference between an island and an atoll. Atolls are ring like coral islands and reefs that enclose a lagoon. Islands are small land masses completely surrounded by water. After students have oriented themselves to the map, they should be asked to complete the map reading activity sheet.Teacher Background: The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands include the islands and atolls from Nihoa to Kure, and comprise more than 70% of all of the coral reefs in the United States. All of the islands and atolls are part of the State of Hawaii (and the City and County of Honolulu) except for Midway. These islands (excluding Kure which is a State Preserve) are administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as federally protected National Wildlife Refuges. Pre-western contact (1778) habitation of Nihoa and Necker have been documented by early 20th century Bishop Museum expeditions. Additional background information, including photographs, of each atoll and island is available on the NWHI website.
Extensions: Students can use the information they learn during this lesson and the NWHI website to track the location of the research ship as it voyages between Hawai‘i and Kure. The education team will post the coordinates, general direction of travel, and average speed of the ship in the daily log.
Map Reading Activity Sheet
Instructions: Use the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands map to complete this worksheet.
- What two islands are located at 22° north latitude?
- How many islands and atolls are located north of 27° north latitude?
- What island or atoll is located near the map coordinates 26° north latitude and 174 ° west longitude?
- What island or atoll lies directly east of French Frigate Shoals?
- What is the approximate distance in miles from Kaua‘i to Nihoa?
- If a research ship is located near the map coordinates 23° north latitude and 163° west longitude, what island or atoll is closest to it?
- What islands or atolls are located within 300 miles of Gardner Pinnacles?
- What would the map coordinates of a research ship be if it was anchored near the eastern tip of Ni‘ihau?
- What is the distance between Kure and Kaua‘i?
- What is the first atoll west of 176° west longitude?
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