Finding an Accurate Distance

Between Two Locations

Introduction: Over the past two weeks we have learned about the many map elements which should be included on any map. These elements (title, compass rose, key/legend, and scale) allow us to interpret the information the creator of the map has provided for us. Using the map scale to determine the distance between two locations is a valuable “real-world” skill. Suppose your family plans to drive to a vacation spot. You will need to know about how far away your destination is so that your family can plan accordingly.

Information: To determine the level of your skill in this area, I would like you to find the distance between two cities (in miles) using our traditional method (using a piece of yarn along with the given scale). I would then like you to compare your answer to the actual distance as given on the web site “How Far Is It?”.

Question /Activity:

1. Print out the answer sheet for this activity by clicking here and then click on File, then Print. This way you can read the directions on this site, but hand in your answers to Mrs. Jones.

2. Using a map or atlas from our classroom or the Media Center and a piece of yarn, estimate the distance in miles between our state capital (Annapolis) and the city where Mrs. Jones was born (Orlando, Florida). Using your math skills, give me the most specific number you can. Record your answer on the answer sheet.

The distance between our state capital and Mrs. Jones’ birthplace is ____________ miles.

3. Now, click on this link to go to the “How Far Is It?” (http://www.indo.com/distance/) site. Be sure to type the city and state (with a comma in between!) of your original location and your destination spot. Record the actual number of miles you must travel between the locations on your answer sheet.

The actual distance between our state capital and Mrs. Jones’ birthplace is ____________ miles.

My estimated distance using my map skills was off from the actual distance by _____________ miles.

I would rate my skills with using the map scale as: (Circle One)

Not Even Close - (My answer was more than 100 miles off from the actual answer.)

Pretty Good - (My answer was within 100 miles of the actual answer.)

Right on Target - (My answer was within 25 miles of the actual answer.)

(Bonus: What do you think the phrase “as the crow flies” means on the How Far Is It web page?)

4. If your family decided to drive from Annapolis to Orlando, you would find that the actual number of miles you traveled would be higher than the results you found above. In a sentence or two, explain why there is a difference between the two numbers.

* When you have completely filled in your answer sheet, please turn it in at the Web Drop-In basket by Mrs. Jones’ desk.

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