Earth, the planet we live in

       

               We can observe a Globe, some maps and some photos to study the Earth.

Discuss these questions

1. These are the Earth’s representations. What is the difference between them?
2. Which of these representations is closest to the actual shape of the planet?
3. In which of the representations it is possible to observe the entire surface of the planet at the same time?

The globe is the best way to represent the Earth. We can say that it is a little mold that suggests its shape.

 
             The Earth has a geoid shape. It means, it is curve, convex in the center and flattened at the ends, where the north and south poles are located.

            The planisphere and the maps came from the globe, to help in the study of Geography.

             Map is a representation of the curved surface of the earth on a flat surface as the surface of a sheet of paper. A map can represent the whole surface or just part of it.

             Planisphere is a map showing the Earth's surface. In the planisphere we can see all parts of the surface at the same time. When a map represents the whole surface of the Earth, it is also called world map.



Planisphere also called World Map.

Photos help create maps.

Aerial photographs, that is, photographs taken by cameras attached to a plane, and images produced by various artificial satellites provide information on the surface, example:  deforested areas, location of mineral resources, weather conditions, among others.

This information is used in the preparation of various types of map.

Aerial photo of Rio de Janeiro - RJ

 

µ The lines drawn on maps are imaginary

Have you noticed that there are several lines drawn on the globe and in different maps? Do you know what these lines are and what they are used for?

The lines drawn on the globe and maps are the parallels and meridians. These lines are drawn to facilitate the location of any place in the planet's surface. They are called imaginary lines, it does not actually exist.

 

           

              I am now a teacher at a bilingual school and I have to give lesson of Geography and Science in English as part of the kids curricula. And sometimes it is very difficult to find things in English about the Brazilian Geography. I'm not an expert in these subjects, so I asked those of you who are to help me, I mean, if you find anything which doesn't really correspond to the truth, please let me know OK.

              So, from now on I will be publish things about Geography and Science for Grade 4, 5 and 6. Here is my first, I hope you enjoy them.