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On Again, Off Again —
The Dead Zone

Activity #3
Constructing a Master Location Map with Transects & Stations
Whole class

Introduction/Purpose:
In the field, scientists take samples in a methodical way along the same transect lines and station sites. Data are often presented on a map of the study area. For studies that cover a large area, data collecting stations can be plotted by latitude and longitude. The class will construct a master map with transects and stations labeled. This map will be used for Activities #4 and 5.

Objective:
Each student will:

• Use latitude and longitude to plot his/her station location(s) on a master map.

Standards:

• Grades 6-8: G-6-M
• Grades 9-12: G-3-H
• Skills: Measuring, communicating, geography, interpreting data, math, formulating models and using data

Materials:

• Station data sheets
• Ruler
• Pencils, colored pencils
• Graph paper
• Enlarged map of Louisiana’s offshore area with grid and longitude and latitude labeled.

* For help Changing Latitude & Longitude to Distance Units, click here.

Procedure:

1. Each student plots and labels his/her station location on the class master map. These locations will be used for Activities #4 and 5.
2. Students will check station plots for correct location.

Note:
When you are mapping, remember, the latitude and longitude on the data sheet are presented as degrees, minutes and hundredths of a minute only. For example, 28: 52.56' reads 28E and 52.56 minutes (not 52 minutes and 56 seconds).

Questions:

1. What kind of errors are possible while plotting latitude and longitude?

Go to Activity #4