Most often with printed maps and maps that can be found on the Internet, the size and shape of features (continents, islands, the ocean) are distorted because cartographers use map projections to display a spherical feature on a flat surface. Use this as an opportunity to lead a discussion about transportation systems and how they move people and goods or go further with this topic in the Geography of a Pencil activity. Have students view the satellite imagery for clues, and if needed, direct them to identify the train and rail infrastructure in and around the port.

Then ask students how they think goods are transported in and out of the port. Ask students what they think is imported and exported from this port (major imports include products such as furniture, footwear, electronics, cars, and apparel major exports include paper wastepaper, cotton, animal feed, and scrap metal). Explain to students that there are many important ports around the world and that the Port of Los Angeles is one of the largest cargo ports in the United States. Then have students type “Port of Los Angeles” into Google Earth search and fly to this location. Start by having students watch this video as an introduction to the challenges of shipping cargo and then answer questions about the video in the Questions tab on the page.

Zoom earth california