Lesson Plan
Navigating with North
Students will be able to identify and apply cardinal and intermediate directions to navigate real-world scenarios and solve directional challenges.
Understanding directions is crucial for independent navigation, map reading, and comprehending geographical information. This lesson builds foundational skills that empower students to confidently interpret their surroundings.
Audience
6th Grade Group
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Hands-on activities and visual aids
Materials
Points of the Compass Slide Deck, Directional Challenge Grid Worksheet, and Compass Rose Race Game
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Points of the Compass Slide Deck content.
* Print copies of the Directional Challenge Grid Worksheet.
* Prepare materials for the Compass Rose Race Game (e.g., printed compass roses, direction cards).
* Ensure projector or interactive whiteboard is ready for the slide deck.
Step 1
Introduction: Direction Detective
5 minutes
- Hook: Ask students to imagine they are lost in a new city without a phone. How would they find their way?
* Briefly introduce cardinal directions (North, South, East, West) and intermediate directions (Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest).
* Explain that today's lesson will equip them with essential navigation skills. Use Points of the Compass Slide Deck slides 1-2.
Step 2
Direct Instruction: Mastering the Compass Rose
15 minutes
- Use the Points of the Compass Slide Deck to explain each cardinal and intermediate direction.
* Provide clear examples of how these directions are used in daily life (e.g.,
Step 3
Activity: Directional Challenge Grid
15 minutes
- Distribute the Directional Challenge Grid Worksheet.
* Explain the instructions clearly, demonstrating one example if needed.
* Students work individually or in pairs to complete the challenges.
* Circulate to provide support and answer questions. Emphasize using the compass rose as a reference.
Step 4
Game: Compass Rose Race
8 minutes
- Introduce the Compass Rose Race Game.
* Divide students into small groups.
* Explain the rules: one student calls out a direction, and others race to point to it on their compass rose or move in that direction (if space allows).
* Award points for correct and quick responses.
* Facilitate the game, ensuring active participation and understanding. Use Points of the Compass Slide Deck slide 7.
Step 5
Conclusion: Directional Debrief
2 minutes
- Briefly review the main concepts: cardinal and intermediate directions.
* Ask students how they might use these skills outside of class.
* Encourage students to observe directions in their environment.
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Slide Deck
Lost? Not Anymore! 🧭
Imagine you're in a new place. How do you find your way?
Greet students and introduce the idea of getting lost. Ask how they would find their way. This sets the stage for the importance of directions. Transition to the title slide.
Today's Mission: Direction Detectives!
We will learn to find our way using cardinal and intermediate directions. Get ready to navigate like a pro!
Introduce the lesson's objective. Emphasize that these skills are practical and useful in everyday life.
The Compass Rose: Your Directional Guide
A compass rose shows us directions.
- North (N)
- South (S)
- East (E)
- West (W)
Explain what a compass rose is and introduce the four cardinal directions with clear visuals.
Beyond the Basics: Intermediate Directions
What about directions between North and East?
- Northeast (NE)
- Northwest (NW)
- Southeast (SE)
- Southwest (SW)
Introduce the intermediate directions, explaining how they combine cardinal directions.
Directions in Real Life
Where do you see directions being used?
- Maps and GPS
- Hiking trails
- Weather reports
- Building instructions
Provide real-world examples to make the concepts relatable. Ask students for their own examples.
Challenge Time: Directional Grid
Let's practice! Use your compass rose to complete the Directional Challenge Grid Worksheet.
- Follow the directions to find locations.
- Pay close attention to cardinal AND intermediate directions!
Explain the instructions for the 'Directional Challenge Grid' worksheet. Ensure students understand how to use the compass rose provided on the worksheet.
Game On: Compass Rose Race!
Time to put your skills to the test!
- Work in groups.
- Listen for a direction.
- Point to it on your compass rose as fast as you can!
- The first to point correctly wins a point!
Explain the rules for the 'Compass Rose Race' game. Encourage friendly competition and ensure all students participate.
You're a Navigation Ninja!
Today, you've mastered cardinal and intermediate directions. You're ready to explore!
- Cardinal: North, South, East, West
- Intermediate: Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest
How will you use these skills?
Summarize the key learning points and encourage students to apply their new skills.
Worksheet
Directional Challenge Grid
Name: _________________________ Date: _________________
Part 1: Label the Compass Rose
Label the cardinal and intermediate directions on the compass rose below.
Part 2: Follow the Directions
Imagine you are at the START position (marked with a star on the grid below). Follow the directions to find the final location. Write down the letter of the final location.
Challenge 1:
- Start at the star.
- Go 2 spaces North.
- Go 1 space East.
- Go 1 space Southeast.
What letter are you on? _________
Challenge 2:
- Start at the star.
- Go 3 spaces West.
- Go 2 spaces Northeast.
- Go 1 space South.
What letter are you on? _________
Challenge 3:
- Start at the star.
- Go 1 space Southwest.
- Go 3 spaces North.
- Go 2 spaces East.
What letter are you on? _________
Grid
| A | B | C | D | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | |||||
| 4 | |||||
| 3 | ★ | ||||
| 2 | |||||
| 1 |
Create your own directional challenge for a classmate! Draw a simple map or describe a route using cardinal and intermediate directions.
Game
Compass Rose Race
Objective:
To quickly identify and point to cardinal and intermediate directions on a compass rose.
Materials:
- Printed or drawn compass roses (one per student or pair)
- Direction cards (index cards with N, S, E, W, NE, NW, SE, SW written on them)
Instructions:
-
Preparation:
- Divide students into small groups (3-4 students per group).
- Give each student or pair a compass rose.
- Place the direction cards in a pile, face down.
-
How to Play:
- One student in the group is designated as the
Answer Key
Directional Challenge Grid Answer Key
Part 1: Label the Compass Rose
- N: North
- S: South
- E: East
- W: West
- NE: Northeast
- NW: Northwest
- SE: Southeast
- SW: Southwest
(Diagram of a compass rose with all points correctly labeled)
Part 2: Follow the Directions
Challenge 1:
- Start at the star (B,3).
- Go 2 spaces North: (B,5)
- Go 1 space East: (C,5)
- Go 1 space Southeast: (D,4)
What letter are you on? D
Challenge 2:
-
Start at the star (B,3).
-
Go 3 spaces West: (E,3) - assuming the grid wraps around or this is an error in the original prompt, otherwise, this would go off the grid.
Let's assume the grid does not wrap and clarify: Go 1 space West (A,3) - if 3 spaces West takes you off the grid, then the starting point or instructions need adjustment. For this answer key, we will assume students will interpret to stay on the grid if possible, or note if they go off. Given the simple grid, 3 spaces west from B would be off-grid. I will correct this to ensure the challenge is solvable within the given grid and provide an alternative route or acknowledge a simplification for 6th grade.
Self-correction: The grid provided for the worksheet is 5x5, with a star at B,3. Moving 3 spaces West from B,3 would indeed go off the grid (to -1,3). I need to ensure the challenges are solvable. I will adjust the instructions for Challenge 2 to ensure it stays on the grid.Revised Challenge 2 solution for Answer Key, assuming the challenge means:
- Start at the star (B,3).
- Go 1 space West: (A,3)
- Go 1 space North: (A,4)
- Go 1 space Northeast: (B,5)
What letter are you on? B
*To make the original challenges solvable, I will adjust the original worksheet's