Geography Classroom Game

A teacher named Rebecca suggested this great kinesthetic activity to teach students about the significant lines of latitude. Rebecca finds it especially effective with her learning disabled students.

She begins by teaching about the significant lines of latitude (north and south poles, Arctic and Antarctic Circles, equator, and Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn) on the planet. Then students draw a diagram of the planet including major lines of latitude.

This is where the fun starts - have the students "be the earth." The students identify each significant line of latitude with a body area:

• North Pole = top of head
• Arctic Circle = ears
• Tropic of Cancer = shoulders
• Equator = waist
• Tropic of Capricorn = knees
• Antarctic Circle = shins
• South Pole = toes

After students have these locations established, the class begins "globe aerobics;" in other words, Simon Says!

I hope you'll enjoy this geographic activity!