International Date Line

Worksheet Description

The worksheet jumps into the concept of the International Date Line (IDL), an imaginary line on Earth’s surface passing through the mid-Pacific Ocean. The line demarcates a change in calendar day, running north-south and roughly aligning with 180 degrees longitude. The text provides historical context, detailing its establishment in 1884 and explaining its relation to the prime meridian. The sheet further elucidates the implications of crossing the IDL while traveling, emphasizing the gain or loss of a day depending on the direction of travel.

The primary goal of this worksheet is to impart knowledge about the International Date Line and its significance in global timekeeping. Students learn the history behind its inception, understanding the need for such a line due to Earth’s rotation. By illustrating the effects of traveling across the IDL, it fosters an appreciation of the complexities involved in time regulation on a global scale. The worksheet also familiarizes students with the broader concept of time zones, instilling an understanding of the world’s temporal structure and its influence on daily life and travel.