Orientating a map to locate points
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can orientate a map, locate points on the map and then record what I find at those points.
Key learning points
- Move: orienteering requires us to complete the course in the fastest time, so we must move quickly around the course.
- Think: strategies like orienting the map, identifying features and problem solving help us complete the course quickly.
- Feel: doing our best, even if we’re not the fastest on the course, shows perseverance.
- Connect: cooperating and listening to our partners helps us be more successful when completing an orienteering course.
Keywords
Orienteering - using a map to navigate through unfamiliar terrain, aiming to find specific checkpoints in the fastest time possible
Course - a set route marked on a map with checkpoints, or control points, that you navigate through to complete the activity
Features - the elements that help users understand the layout, details and information the map represents
Common misconception
Pupils hold the map the wrong way round, not matching it to their direction of travel, making it harder to locate points accurately.
Make sure pupils orient the map so it matches the direction they're facing. They must turn the map until the features on the map line up with what they can see around them.
Teacher tip
Pairing the pupils in mixed ability will encourage collaboration and facilitate scaffolding. If you have any additional adults with you, position them in locations where there are potential hazards, danger or blind spots.
Equipment
Orienteering course, orienteering map, whiteboards and pens, 1 per pair
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - outdoor learning
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which word describes using a map to navigate checkpoints?
Q2.What should you do with your partner to help you to complete the course quicker?
Q3.Why is it important to persevere when a task becomes challenging?
Q4.What may happen if you rush when orienteering?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which word describes a set route marked on a map with checkpoints that you navigate through to complete the activity?
Q2.What should you do if you’re not the fastest at finding the points?
Q3.How should you move to a point once you have located it?
Q4.What can help you to ensure the map is the right way round?
To help you plan your 5 physical education lesson on: Orientating a map to locate points, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 physical education lesson on: Orientating a map to locate points, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 2 physical education lessons from the Outdoor adventurous activities: orienteering unit, dive into the full primary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.