| Purpose: |
To learn the technique of finding a direction, and to
practice following a degree bearing. |
| Season: |
All |
| Description: |
The technique is learned for finding a direction with a
compass and a situation is identified for using it. |
| Materials: |
Silva Polaris Type 7 Orienteering compass, paper plates,
paper, pencil |
| TEKS: |
4.1A 4.4A,B 5.1A
5.1A,B 5.4A,B |
| Procedure: |
- Have the class review and then practice the steps used to follow a direction with a
compass: (A) line up degree number with the direction-of-travel arrow, (B) point the
direction-of-travel arrow ahead of you, (C) turn slowly until the red-tipped magnetic
needle is directly on top of the fancy arrow inside the housing, (D) locate a point ahead
of you that is in line with the arrow, (E) then move along the path that the
direction-of-travel arrow is pointing.
- Discuss a situation in which the technique of finding a direction is used. For example,
you are standing on one side of a ravine and sighting a tree that you would like to
observe closely but would have difficulty finding after crossing the ravine. Have students
practice finding a direction using the following steps (see figures A and B below): (A)
point direction-of-travel arrow to desired landmark; (B) turn compass housing until the
red-tipped magnetic needle is directly on top of the fancy arrow inside the housing; (C)
read the bearing opposite the direction-of-travel arrow on housing; and (D) following the
bearing.
- On the school grounds let students practice finding the degree direction of different
objects, such as a tree, the flag pole, and other school landmarks. To assess the
student's ability to find a direction, set up a course in which the students have to stand
on certain spots (marked with numbered paper plates) and find the bearings of
predetermined landmarks. The score sheet for such a course could be as follows:
Pt. 1 Direction to flagpole ______________
degree reading
Pt. 2 Direction to pine tree ______________
degree reading
Pt. 3 Direction to school's chimney ______________
degree reading |
| Options and Extensions: |
Visit a ravine and have students use the compass to find a
bearing of a landmark on the other side. Students then follow this bearing across the
ravine to the object. |