There are many kinds of maps, but all well-designed maps have five important features in common.  In this topic, you will identify those features and become a critical map-reader. You will also learn about map scale, or the relationship between the size of the map and the actual size of the place on the map in the real world.  In addition, you will practice how to read the grid lines on a map of latitude and longitude, and how to locate a place when given a coordinate set. You will demystify the effects of time change as you travel through the world’s different time zones.

Essential Questions

• What five features do all maps share, and why are they important in deciphering a map?
• What does a map’s scale represent, and how is it expressed?
• What do lines of latitude and longitude represent?
• How can a place be identified by its latitude and longitude?
• How does the time change between different longitudes?