Lesson 2: The Compass & Bearings
Duration of Days: 1
Lesson Objective
Students will demonstrate how to "set a bearing" on a baseplate compass and follow it to a hidden target within a 3-degree margin of error.
How can a person who is lost find their way?
Bearing
Degree
Baseplate
Travel Arrow
Standard 1: Develops a variety of motor skills.
(DOK 2) What is the relationship between the "Red in the Shed" and your physical direction of travel?
(DOK 3) In what scenario would you rely more on your compass than the features on your map?
Beyond the obvious survival skill of knowing how to use a map and compass, orienteering teaches executive functioning. Students must make high-pressure decisions, manage "information overload" while physically exhausted, and learn that the "straightest" path isn't always the fastest. It builds self-reliance and the ability to recalibrate when a mistake (getting lost) occurs.
Orienteering is just using a map.
Create groups with varying skills and abilities
Create challenges with varying levels of difficulty
Students will find a hidden target using a compass.
Baseplate Compasses
Bearing Cards
Cones/Numbered Markers