What is the Prime Meridian?

Free to teach as-is — the teacher guide, student handout, and slides are included.

Free — we'll email you an access link. Google Docs format.

Objective

I can explain what the prime meridian is and where it is located.

Part 1 of 4

Warm-up video

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel · 9:48Vetted channel

We don't generate video — this one is by Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.

Part 2 of 4

Key concepts

3 concepts

  1. 1

    Ptolemy was a famous geographer who created imaginary lines called map coordinates to help us find our way.

  2. 2

    Latitude lines run north and south of the equator, while longitude lines run east and west of the prime meridian.

  3. 3

    To find a location on a map using coordinates, remember 'flat first, long last,' meaning find the latitude line before the longitude line.

Part 3 of 4

Practice

3 questions

1

What does the prime meridian divide the Earth into?

2

If you are standing on the prime meridian, what is your longitude coordinate?

Part 4 of 4

Exit ticket

Quick comprehension check

What is the prime meridian and where is it located on a map?

Sample answer included in the free materials

Get the materials

Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format

  • Teacher Guide

    Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities

  • Student Handout

    Printable worksheet

  • Slides

    Ready to present

We'll ask for your email to send your access link — nothing else.

Teaching a group at a different level?

Where are your students right now? We'll rebuild this lesson to match — including the teacher guide, student handout, and slides, saved to your Google Drive.

Adapt This Lesson