Reasons For the IDL

Worksheet Description

This worksheet dives into the topic of the International Date Line (IDL), a significant demarcation in global timekeeping. It commences with questions prompting students to describe the IDL’s path and the reasoning behind its particular course. The worksheet further integrates a visual component, presenting a world map where students are tasked with marking the approximate location of the IDL. Additionally, a practical scenario is given, where students must calculate the arrival day in Sydney, Australia, given a departure date and time from Dallas, factoring in the implications of crossing the IDL.

The objective of this worksheet is to provide students with a holistic understanding of the International Date Line and its implications for global time reckoning. By prompting them to describe and reason out the path of the IDL, it ensures students grasp the underlying rationale behind its placement. The inclusion of a map activity aims to enhance students’ geographical comprehension and spatial visualization skills related to the IDL. Lastly, by posing a real-world scenario, the worksheet emphasizes the practical implications of the IDL, allowing students to apply their knowledge in a tangible context.