Description

This activity; Our Earth – a Map – Book 2; introduces the Child to the imaginary lines of latitude, and longitude used to find out where we are on our globe.  These lines help us navigate mapping systems, and also how to differentiate between segments of our world.

As far back as 300BC, the ancient Greek astronomers first proposed lines of latitude, and longitude to position oneself on the known world.  By constantly observing the Pole star, the lines of latitude were easily identified.  However, once out at sea, the lines of longitude were very difficult to determine.  It was only in the 1760’s, and the invention of the sextant, before a means was found to determine how to measure the lines of longitude.

Features of Our Earth – a Map – Book 2:

• the direct objective is to introduce the Child to;
  • the correct terminology of the imaginary lines, that are used to aid navigation
• indirectly, the Child;
  • is introduced to the different hemispheres of the world
  • gains an understanding
    • of the immensity of the world
    • that the World is moving around the Sun
    • of how the movement of the world, affects the seasonal changes
• this activity forms part of the Montessori curriculum support material

Contents of the Activity:

• 20 page booklet, with illustrations and definitions
• definition cards;
  • 10 with a missing word
  • 10 control cards including the missing word
• 3-part cards
  • 9 labelled, control cards
  • 9 mute cards with separate labels
• all stored in an A6 transparent plastic envelope

Sizes:

• Booklet – 11.5cm x 9.5cm / 4½” x 3¾”)
• Definition Cards – 8cm x 8cm / (3″ x 3″)
• Control Card – 13.5cm x 9cm / (5¼” x 3½”)
• Plastic Envelope –  18cm x 13cm x 2cm / (7″ x 5″ x 1″)

Further Reading and Resources:

The quest for Longitude and the rise of Greenwich – a Brief History – The Greenwich Meridian