SS.Lesson #1: Where is the United States Located

hemisphere

a region created when the Earth is divided in half Example: The Earth can be divided into the Western Hemisphere and the Eastern Hemisphere. It can also be divided into the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere.

equator

an imaginary line that divides the Earth into Northern and Southern hemispheres Example: The United States is located north of the equator.

prime meridian

an imaginary line that divides the Earth into Western and Eastern Hemispheres Example: The United States is located west of the Prime Meridian.

location

the geographic theme that answers the question "Where is it?" Example: Maps can be used to find out the location of a place.

absolute location

the location of a point on the Earth by use of a grid system Example: We can find the absolute location of a place by using a globe.

relative location

where a place is located in relation to other places Example: The United States is located north of the country of Mexico.

the five themes of geography

five big ideas that help people understand geography example: Location is one of the five themes of geography.

political boundaries

lines that define the border of a country or state Example: There is a political boundary between the United States and Canada.

continent

one of the seven large landmasses of the Earth Example: The United States is part of the continent of North America.