Our Globe
The Earth is round like a ball! A globe is a model that shows us our whole planet. Let's explore our amazing world!
Learn
A globe is a round model of planet Earth. It's shaped like a ball because that's the real shape of our Earth! A globe shows all the land and water on our planet.
Earth is Our Home!
Earth is Round
Our planet Earth is shaped like a ball! That's why a globe is round too. When you spin a globe, you can see all the different parts of our world.
Blue is Water
The blue parts on a globe show WATER - the oceans, seas, and big lakes. Most of Earth is covered with water! That's why Earth looks blue from space.
Green and Brown is Land
The green and brown parts show LAND - where people, animals, and plants live. The land is divided into big pieces called continents.
What You Can See on a Globe
Oceans
Big, big areas of water
Continents
Big pieces of land
Mountains
Bumpy brown areas
Forests
Green areas with trees
Deserts
Tan sandy areas
Ice
White areas at top and bottom
Examples
Let's explore the globe together!
Example 1: Finding Water
Look at a globe: What color do you see the most?
You'll see: BLUE! The blue parts are water - oceans and seas.
What this tells us: Most of our planet Earth is covered with water! That's why astronauts call Earth "the blue planet."
Example 2: Finding Land
Look at a globe: Find the parts that are NOT blue.
You'll see: Green and brown areas scattered around the globe.
What this tells us: These are the continents - big pieces of land where people, animals, and plants live!
Example 3: Spinning the Globe
Try this: Put your finger on one spot and spin the globe slowly.
What happens: The spot goes around and around, just like how Earth spins!
What this shows: Earth is always spinning. That's what makes day and night!
Example 4: Top and Bottom
Look at the globe: What do you see at the very top and very bottom?
You'll see: White areas! These are the North Pole (top) and South Pole (bottom).
What this tells us: The poles are very cold and covered with ice and snow!
Example 5: Globe vs. Flat Map
Compare: Look at a globe and then a flat map.
The difference: A globe is round like Earth. A flat map is like the globe unfolded.
Why it matters: The globe shows Earth's real shape, but a flat map is easier to put in a book or hang on a wall!
Practice Problems
Think about what you learned about globes!
Problem 1
What is a globe?
Show Answer
A globe is a round model of planet Earth. It shows all the land and water on our planet!
Problem 2
What shape is a globe?
Show Answer
A globe is shaped like a ball because that's the real shape of Earth!
Problem 3
What does the blue color on a globe show?
Show Answer
Blue shows water - the oceans, seas, and big lakes!
Problem 4
What do the green and brown parts show?
Show Answer
Green and brown show land - forests, mountains, and places where people live!
Problem 5
Is there more water or more land on Earth?
Show Answer
There is more WATER on Earth! That's why Earth looks so blue.
Problem 6
What are the white parts at the top and bottom of the globe?
Show Answer
The white parts are ice and snow at the North Pole and South Pole!
Problem 7
Can you spin a globe?
Show Answer
Yes! Globes can spin, just like how Earth spins in space!
Problem 8
Why is a globe better than a flat map for showing Earth's shape?
Show Answer
A globe shows the real round shape of Earth. Flat maps have to stretch and squish things to fit on flat paper!
Problem 9
What is a continent?
Show Answer
A continent is a very big piece of land on Earth. There are 7 continents!
Problem 10
Why do astronauts call Earth "the blue planet"?
Show Answer
From space, Earth looks mostly blue because so much of it is covered with water!
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
What is a globe shaped like, and why?
Show Answer
A globe is shaped like a ball because Earth is shaped like a ball!
Question 2
If you see blue on a globe, what does it show?
Show Answer
Blue shows water - oceans, seas, and big lakes!
Question 3
What can you find on land (the green and brown parts)?
Show Answer
On land you can find people, animals, plants, houses, mountains, forests, and so much more!
Question 4
What makes a globe different from a flat map?
Show Answer
A globe is round like Earth, while a flat map is flat like paper. The globe shows Earth's true shape!
Next Steps
Explore a Globe!
If you have a globe at home or school, try this:
- Spin the globe and stop it with your finger - where did you land?
- Find the biggest blue area (that's an ocean!)
- Find the white parts at the top and bottom (the poles!)
- Can you find where you live?
- Look for globes at the library, school, or in pictures
- Ask a grown-up to show you Earth from space (pictures or videos)
- Go back to learn about What is a Map?