Have you ever examined a globe or map and noticed those lines that go up and around? Wonder what they are? Where they came from? Those lines are called lines of latitude and longitude. Latitude and longitude have been extremely helpful to navigators for centuries. Some of these navigators included pirates, the most famous being "Blackbeard." In this Webquest, you will be researching Blackbeard's history, exploring lines of latitude and longitude, and creating your own treasure map!
You have been transported, via Miss Wallace's time travel machine, to the 1600s. Upon your arrival, you learn that Blackbeard and his crew are in search of the greatest treasure in the world. They will stop at nothing to gain these riches. You have been chosen to be Blackbeard's personal navigator, and must create a map for Blackbeard and his crew to follow. Your map must be detailed, and easy to follow. Should your mission fail, you will surely be thrown overboard!
Using the resource links listed, you will answer the questions listed below. When you have answered the key quetsions, you will create your treasure map. The map should include a key, a scale, a title, a compass rose, and a list of directions including at least three position points on the globe (using latitude and longitude). These position points could include a beginning point, destination, and half-way point. You may choose to hide your treasure anywhere in the world, but your starting point must be the town in which Blackbeard's mansion is located. Good luck!
Key Questions:
What was Blackbeard's real name?
Why was he called Blackbeard?
Where in the United States (town, state) was Blackbeard's house located?
What is "latitude"?
What is "longitude"?
Name the four hemispheres of the earth
Why are latitude and longitude important?
Who uses latitude, longitude, maps, and globes?
Resources
Geography Terms/ Latitude and Longitude
http://jwocky.gsfc.nasa.gov/teacher/latlonarchive.html
http://www-spof.gsfc.nasa.gov/stargaze/Slatlong.htm
http://oncampus.richmond.edu/academics/education/projects/webunits/geography/
Blackbeard:
http://historicbeaufort.com/blackbeard1.htm
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/pirates/bbeard.html
Map-Making
http://atlas.geo.cornell.edu/webmap/
http://www.aquarius.geomar.de/omc/
(this one has the input form, requiring latitude and longitude)
********http://earth.google.com/earth4.html********
(this is Google Earth – you can zoom in on specific locations using satellite pictures. You can find the latitude and longitude of specific locations, and can print out maps of specific areas)
To Get Even More Information.....
Search terms such as "Blackbeard," "Map-Making," or "Geography terms" using one of the following search engines:
Kids Click
Yahooligans