As geography teachers, it’s essential for us to educate our students about latitude, one of the fundamental concepts of map reading and global positioning system (GPS). One of the best places to teach this vital concept is Toronto, Canada. Toronto, situated at 43.65 degrees north of the equator, offers students a fantastic opportunity to learn about latitude relative to the equator.

In teaching latitude, it’s essential to create a visual representation of the concept that students can easily relate to. One of the ways this can be achieved is by using globes and maps of Earth to help students understand the difference between the equator and the northern and southern hemispheres. By locating Toronto on the map, students can easily understand that the city lies north of the equator, and as such, is in the northern hemisphere.

Another approach that teachers can employ is by using landmarks in Toronto to teach latitude. Fortunately, Toronto has several landmarks that can serve as excellent points of reference. The most notable landmark in Toronto is the CN tower, standing tall at 1,815 feet. Teachers can use the tower as a reference point to teach students about latitude and how it works.

For instance, suppose a teacher asks their students to measure the distance between the equator and Toronto in miles or kilometers. In that case, they can use the CN tower’s height as a reference point to explain the concept better. By measuring the distance between the equator and Toronto, students can calculate how far the tower is from the equator and get a better understanding of latitude.

Additionally, students can also learn about the effects of latitude on climate. Toronto, for one, has a humid continental climate, characterized by four distinct seasons. The city experiences warm summers and cold winters, thanks to its location in the northern hemisphere. Students can use this example to learn about other places on the planet and how latitude affects their climate.