Social Studies Worksheet · Grades 4–6
Latitude and Longitude Worksheet
A printable social studies worksheet for grades 4-6 on latitude and longitude: lines of latitude run east-west and measure north-south, while lines of longitude run north-south and measure east-west. Students classify eight clues, then answer six short questions. A complete answer key is included.
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Subject
Social Studies
Grades
Grades 4–6
Skill Focus
Latitude and Longitude, geography
Lesson Length
20 minutes
Lesson Overview
About this worksheet
Maps and globes have a grid of lines for finding any place on Earth. Lines of latitude run east-west and measure how far north or south a place is; the most important is the equator (0 degrees). Lines of longitude run north-south and measure how far east or west a place is; the most important is the prime meridian (0 degrees). This worksheet teaches the difference with the ‘lat is flat’ memory trick.
Section A gives eight clues (lines that run east and west; lines that measure how far east or west; the equator; the prime meridian) and asks students to label each latitude or longitude, balanced four and four. The reference box teaches the two line types and their mnemonics, and the clues describe traits rather than repeating the reference word for word.
Section B is short-answer. Students contrast latitude and longitude, recall which direction each measures, name the most important line of each, and explain why both are needed for an exact location. Page 3 is a complete answer key. The skill builds toward reading real-world map coordinates.
How to Use This Lesson
Read the reference box aloud and point to latitude and longitude lines on a globe.
Complete Section A independently – remind students ‘lat is flat’ (latitude lines are level).
Discuss Section B item 13 (why both lines are needed) to reinforce exact location.
Use the answer key on page 3 for self-check or teacher review.
Pair with the Hemispheres and the Globe Worksheet or the Map Grids and Coordinates 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
Latitude and Longitude Worksheet
A printable social studies worksheet for grades 4-6 on latitude and longitude: lines of latitude run east-west and measure north-south, while lines of longitude run north-south and measure east-west. Students classify eight clues, then answer six short questions. 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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