Social Studies Worksheet · Grades 4–6
Hemispheres and the Globe Worksheet
A printable social studies worksheet for grades 4-6 that introduces the two main lines of the globe – the equator and the prime meridian – and the four hemispheres they create. Students decide whether eight clues describe the equator or the prime meridian and answer six short questions about hemispheres. A complete answer key is included.
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Subject
Social Studies
Grades
Grades 4–6
Skill Focus
Hemispheres and the Globe, geography
Lesson Length
20 minutes
Lesson Overview
About this worksheet
Mapmakers use two imaginary lines to locate places on Earth. The equator circles the middle of the globe and divides it into the Northern and Southern hemispheres; the prime meridian runs pole to pole through Greenwich, England, and divides it into the Eastern and Western hemispheres. Every place sits in two hemispheres at once. This worksheet makes those lines concrete for upper-elementary students.
Section A gives eight clues and asks students to decide whether each describes the equator or the prime meridian – a focused, balanced sort that builds confidence with the two reference lines. The reference box defines both lines and all four hemispheres so students reason from the descriptions.
Section B is short-answer. Students name what the equator divides, identify the east-west line, count the hemispheres a place sits in, and name two hemispheres for a sample country. Page 3 is the answer key. The skill underpins later map and coordinate work.
How to Use This Lesson
Read the reference box aloud while pointing to a globe or wall map – trace the equator, then the prime meridian.
Complete Section A independently – have students decide line first, then which line, for each clue.
Discuss Section B item 12 (north of the equator and west of the prime meridian) by locating an example country together.
Use the answer key on page 3 for self-check or teacher review.
Pair with the Continents and Oceans Worksheet or the Cardinal and Intermediate Directions Worksheet for a geography mini-unit.
Printable Resource
A classroom-ready PDF with everything in one printable resource.
Full Member Resource · Printable PDF · 3 pages · Answer Key
Hemispheres and the Globe Worksheet
A printable social studies worksheet for grades 4-6 that introduces the two main lines of the globe – the equator and the prime meridian – and the four hemispheres they create. Students decide whether eight clues describe the equator or the prime meridian and answer six short questions about hemispheres. A complete answer key is included.
For Teachers
Teaching this? Here is the full lesson plan
Latitude and Longitude: Finding an Exact Place on Earth — a complete 45-minute lesson plan for Grades 6-8: objectives, warm-up, direct instruction, guided and independent practice, assessment, and differentiation. Free to read, no sign-in required. This resource is one of the student materials it uses.
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