Models of Earth

Models of Earth

8th Grade Science

Map

a flat model of all or part of Earth's surface as seen from above.

Globe

a sphere that represents Earth's entire surface.

Maps and Globes are drawn to scale and use symbols to represent topography and other features on Earth's surface.

Scale

relates distance on a map to a distance on Earth's surface

Symbols

used by mapmakers and can be shapes or pictures to stand for features on Earth's surface, can stand for a physical feature or a man-made feature.

Grid Lines

On maps and globes are often used, with lines curving because the Earth is a sphere. The baselines for measuring distance on Earth are the equator and the Prime Meridian.

Equator

an imaginary line between the North and South Poles dividing the Earth into the Northern and Southern hemispheres.

Prime Meridian

imaginary line connecting North and South poles dividing the Earth into Western and Eastern hemispheres.

Degree

is 1/360 fo a way around a circle, unit that helps scientists locate positions on Earth's surface.

Lattitude

Distance in degrees north or south of the equator.

Longitude

Distance in degrees east and west of prime meridian.

Lines of latitude and longitude are used to find location on Earth.

Map Projections

Framework of lines that helps in transferring points on Earth's 3-D surface onto a flat map; there are three types.

Mercator Projection

Lines straight, land near poles are distorted.

Equal-Area Projection

Distorts shapes around the edges of the map.

Cone Projection

Longitude lines straight and latitude lines are curved.

Multiple Choice

Longitude

• is the distance in degrees north and south of the equator
• is the distance in degrees east and west of the prime meridian

Multiple Choice

Latitude

• is the distance in degrees north and south of the equator
• is the distance in degrees east and west of the prime meridian

Multiple Choice

A hemisphere

• is one half of the sphere that makes up Earth
• an imaginary line that makes a half circle from the North Pole to the South Pole
• is an imaginary line that divides the North and South poles

Multiple Choice

The Prime Meridian

• an imaginary line that makes a half circle from the North Pole to the South Pole
• is one half of the sphere that makes up Earth
• is an imaginary line that divides the North and South poles

Multiple Choice

The equator

• is an imaginary line that divides the North and South poles
• is one half of the sphere that makes up Earth
• an imaginary line that makes a half circle from the North Pole to the South Pole

Multiple Choice

A map's key

• is a list of symbols used on a map
• represents distance on a map to distance on Earth's surface
• are pictures that stand for features on Earth's surface

Multiple Choice

Symbols

• is a list of symbols used on a map
• represents distance on a map to distance on Earth's surface
• are pictures that stand for features on Earth's surface

Multiple Choice

A scale 

• represents distance on a map to distance on Earth's surface
• is a list of symbols used on a map
• are pictures that stand for features on Earth's surface

Multiple Choice

A map is a

• flat model of all or part of Earth's surface
• sphere that represents Earth's entire surface
• list of symbols used on a map

Multiple Choice

A globe is a

• sphere that represents Earth's entire surface
• flat model of all or part of Earth's surface
• list of symbols used on a map