- Definition
The equator is an imaginary line that circles the middle of the Earth, dividing it into a top half and a bottom half. It's like the Earth's "belt.
On a world map, the equator is the halfway line that separates the Northern Hemisphere from the Southern Hemisphere.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: The equator is like a belt wrapped exactly around the middle of the Earth, dividing it into a top half and a bottom half.
Ask your child: If we look at this globe, which countries sit right on the equator?
Common mix-up: Kids may think the equator is a physical line painted on the ground. It is actually an imaginary line used on maps to help us understand where places are located.
Examples
- Many countries located near the equator have warm, tropical weather all year round.
- The equator is the starting point for measuring how far north or south a city is located on a map.
equator is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
