Make a chart of these comparisons. The Mercator Projection was designed for marine navigation, a straight line between points crosses meridians at the same angle. Label the same two cities on two different map projections. Have students calculate the distance between the two cities. Explain the difference in the distance measurement.
Students begin with a piece of rectangular paper representing the earth.
For mathematical ease, paper should be one of the following sizes. More discussion will be generated if all these sizes are used throughout the class. From this contrasting paper, students will tear the shapes of the continents being sure to use all the paper, and place them in relative positions on the earth. Discuss this process. We appreciate your comments.