Spaces and Places: Map Reading

PROGRAM OUTLINE (2 HOURS)
This is a basic introduction to orienteering emphasizing orienting a map to match key landmarks. Student will progress from a simple map making exercise to completing a small course around the nature centre.

INTRODUCTION
Introduce the term map. What is a map? Why do we use maps? What are the four directions? N S E W
Describe other words/phrases that show placement of an object or person in relation to another object or person i.e. behind, in front, beside, forward, backward, close, faraway, nearby etc.

NORTH SOUTH EAST WEST GAME
Place 4 hoola hoops to match the four directions. Assign a student to stand in the hoola hoops (holding a letter to represent the cardinal direction) Place a hoola hoop in the middle. The instructor stands in this hoola hoop and yells out a direction. Students must run to this direction. Repeat several times. Take away the letters. Allow students must memorize the direction.

HOOLA HOOP ACTIVITY
Have pairs of students place a hoola hoop on the ground. Each pair is given four different ojects to arrange within their hoola hoop. After they have finished the arrangement they need to draw a map showing the exact location of the objects. Exchange the maps with other students. Have students locate the matching hoola hoops. Remind students to use the words beside, close to, nearby, to the left or to the right to describe the location of the objects.

MAP ACTIVITY #1 - STRING ORIENTEERING COURSE
A string is used to connect a line course around the picnic shelter. Students are given a map of the area adjacent to the picnic shelter. The instructor goes over the use of a legend and symbols. Students are asked to look at the map symbols and point to the actual landmarks. Holding onto the string, students follow the course looking for bright orange circles with letters. They must copy onto the map the exact location in which they find the letter. Before beginning, practice turning the map so that it matches the actual landmarks. Students should be able to spell the word orient.

MAP ACTIVITY #2 - PICTURE ORIENTEERING
1.) Give each student a map of the nature centre area and a copy of the legend. Ask student what they think the map is showing. (Nature centre and area) Talk about how maps use symbols to represent landmarks. The symbols and what they represent is located in the legend. Discuss the symbols on the “Nature Centre” map.
2.) Have students draw the symbols in the appropriate boxes of the legend. If time they can colour or colour at school.
3.) Have students form a line in front of the nature centre along the gravel lane. Ask students to orient the map.

Place clip board to belly button. Have student turn towards the different directions ensuring that their map remains oriented.

4.) Give each student a “Picture Orienteering Worksheet” Students must go to the “legend symbol” indicated in each square. When they find the actual landmark they are to look for a white square with black lines/picture.
Have them copy (using the entire square) the or picture. When they are finished they should have a complete picture.

MAP ACTIVITY #3 - SECRET WORD ORIENTEERING
Using the “Nature Centre” map students must locate the yellow circles. These circles are indicated on the map.
1. Where are you on the map? (e.g. in front of the nature centre main door)
2. Where do you want to go? (Compost container)
3. How will you get there?

Each circle has a letter. Have the students copy the letter onto the map in to location they find it.
The secret word is “SPRING”.