Introductory Activity :

As a diver I like to search out sunken wrecks in the ocean but how can I find them if I can't see down there? It would take far too long to search out the entire ocean floor. I need a latitude and longitude. Now what would that correspond to on a graph? That's right the X and Y axis

Body :

After reviewing what the X and Y axis are handout graph paper. What do we need in order for those X and Y coordinates to mean something? What does the X tell you? (how far over) What does the Y tell you (how far up) Over and up from where? That's right the origin or (0,0). Now have students label the origin and then label the X and Y axis at increments of a half inch or every two lines on 1/4" graph paper. (this could also be a good time to add in scale, because each 1/2" is labeled as 1) Once this is completed have students locate some random point on their graph, further reinforcing the X,Y concept. Now have students draw 3 two inch boxes starting at point (1,1) and leaving 1/2" in between each box. Students should now sketch what their initials would look like in block letters (no curves) After sketching they can begin to draw the letters into the 2" boxes. The letters should touch all sides of the box meaning the letters need to be as large as possible. No part of the letters should be less than 1/4" meaning all points of the letters should land on an intersection of the graph paper.

Conclusion Activity :

Students should label all of the intersections for their letters. Fill in a chart with the coordinates in successive order. Start in the lower left corner and work around clockwise picture it as if you were to place the pencil down at the first point and follow it around the letter without picking it up or retracing a line.

Vocabulary Words :

• Origin
  
• Coordinates
  
• Scale
  
• Absolute coordinates
  

Evaluation Activity :

Students will have to trade direction charts (the list of coordinates in order) and plot out the information. Have students discuss with each other any problems that may have occurred. Next time these coordinates will be used to reproduce the drawing in Auto CAD.