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Competitive Orienteering

Outdoor Recreation Skills
| 4th Grade - Adult
| Half Day 3 hrs
| Difficult

WR_4_1_43_CompetitiveOrienteer_01_760x300_SnowshoeRun

Students will spend about 45 minutes in the classroom to review and learn compass skills.  Topographical map reading will be introduced.  Then students will be shown how to use the map and compass together.  The class will travel to the start of a competitive orienteering course.  After safety instructions are given, students will apply their newly acquired skills to locate off-trial control points.

Class Outline

I. Mind Pie

II. Map Reading

A. Maps as Models

B. Topographic Map Skills

III. Map & Compass Together

A. Parts of a Compass

B. Orienting the Map

C. Taking a Bearing

D. Competition History

IV. The Course

A. Data Summary

B. Debrief Science Practices

C. Science = Adventure

V. Map and Compass Together

A. Orienteering the Map

B. Taking a Bearing from the Map

VI. Conclusion

A. What did we notice?

B. Mind Pie

C. Next Steps…

Concepts and Outcomes

CONCEPTS:

  1. Topographic maps are a 2D representation of a 3D world.
  2. Navigating with a partner takes patience, practice, and respect for people and ideas.
  3. Challenges provide opportunities for learning and growth.
  4. Becoming skilled in orienteering leads to being more confident in new territory.
  5. When we are comfortable being in remote areas, we can begin to appreciate wilderness.

OUTCOMES:

Upon completion of the Competitive Orienteering class students will be able to:

  1. Orient a topographical map using a compass or land formations.
  2. Take a bearing from a map.
  3. Interpret the terrain on a topographical map between two points and determine the best path of travel.
  4. Travel to control points and return to the starting point at the end of class.
  5. Cooperatively work with a partner by demonstrating they can stay together, use sighting and make decisions.

 

Standards Supported

MN Social Studies Standards Grade Code
Create and use various kinds of maps, including overlaying thematic maps, of places in the United States, and also Canada or Mexico; incorporate the “TODALS” map basics, as well as points, lines and colored areas to display spatial information. 4 4.3.1.1.1
Create and use various kinds of maps, including overlaying thematic maps, of places in the North American colonies; incorporate the “TODALS” map basics, as well as points, lines and colored areas to display spatial information. 5 5.3.1.1.1
Create and use various kinds of maps, including overlaying thematic maps, of places in the North American colonies; incorporate the “TODALS” map basics, as well as points, lines and colored areas to display spatial information. 6 6.3.1.1.1
Create and use various kinds of maps, including overlaying thematic maps, of places in the North American colonies; incorporate the “TODALS” map basics, as well as points, lines and colored areas to display spatial information. 7 7.3.1.1.1

 

Extension Activities

Writing Prompts

How were you and your team able to overcome challenges to be successful?  How could you use these same skills in the rest of your life?

What types of challenges might you come across when trying to navigate unknown territory?

 

Additional Resources

Build your own compass!

Orienteering Lesson Plans: A comprehensive unit of orienteering lesson plans geared toward advanced students and high schoolers.