Pacing Pilot Teacher Guide Pace Power
Teacher Lesson Guide
Lesson 1 of 5
Wayfinder Wonders Sequence
Learning Objective
Students will be able to measure their natural pace and use it to estimate a distance of 30 meters with +/- 5 meter accuracy.
Materials
Measuring tapes (30m+)
Cones or markers
Pacing Log Worksheets
Clipboards & pencils
The Hook (5-10 mins)
Gather students at the edge of the gym or field. Point to a distant object (basketball hoop, goal post, or a specific tree).
"Explorers, how many steps do you think it takes to walk from here to that hoop? Not running steps, just regular walking steps. Write your 'Guesstimate' on your sheet now!"
Have everyone walk at the same time, counting silently. Compare results—why are the numbers different? (Height, stride length, etc.)
Skill Building: Measuring Your Pace
Set the Course: Mark a 10-meter straight line with cones.
The Double Step: Explain that in orienteering, a "pace" is often counted as every time your right foot hits the ground. Practice walking 10 meters and counting only the right foot.
Three Trials: Students walk the 10m course three times, recording their pace count each time to find their average.
Physical Math: Distance Estimation
Explain the math: If it takes 8 paces to go 10 meters, how many for 20 meters? (16). How about 30 meters? (24).
The Challenge:
Set a "Mystery Cone" roughly 25-30 meters away. Students must use their pace count to estimate the distance. They walk to the cone, counting their paces, then use their math to guess the meters.
Cool Down & Reflection
Gather back and discuss: Why might your pace change? (Uphill, sand, tired legs). How does knowing your pace help you if you don't have a ruler or a map?
Pro-Tip: Remind students to walk normally. If they take giant leaps, their measurement won't work in the real world!
My Pacing Log Worksheet My Pacing Log
Wayfinder Wonders Expedition Journal
Explorer:
Date:
The Guesstimate Challenge
How many steps do you think it takes to walk from the starting line to the Target Landmark?
My Guesstimate:
____ steps
Actual Count:
____ steps
The 10-Meter Pacing Trial
Count every time your RIGHT FOOT hits the ground!
Trial Number Paces (Right Foot Only) Trial 1 (10 meters) Trial 2 (10 meters)
|
| Trial 3 (10 meters) |
|
My Average Pace:
_____
paces per 10m
The Mystery Cone Challenge
Walk to the Mystery Cone. Count your paces. Use your average to estimate the distance in meters!
Paces Counted
_____
Estimated Meters
_____ m
Pace Power Slides Pace Power
Mastering Distance with Every Step
Wayfinder Wonders: Lesson 1
The Big Guess
How many steps does it take to walk to that basketball hoop?
1
Write your guess.
2
Walk and count.
The "Double Step"
In orienteering, we don't count every step. We count every double step.
"Count only when your RIGHT foot hits the ground!"
Only count the orange!
1 Pace = 2 Steps
The 10-Meter Trial
1
WALK
Walk naturally over the 10-meter course.
2
COUNT
Count only your right foot (paces).
3
LOG
Record your number on your worksheet.
Repeat 3 Times for an Average!
Physical Math
If your average is 8 paces for 10 meters...
10 Meters 8 Paces
20 Meters 16 Paces (8 x 2)
30 Meters 24 Paces (8 x 3)
Riddle Run Teacher Guide Landmark Lookout
Teacher Riddle Guide
Lesson 2 of 5
Wayfinder Wonders Sequence
Learning Objective
Students will use descriptive verbal clues to identify specific schoolyard landmarks, developing observation skills and auditory processing.
Preparation
Scout 8-10 school landmarks
Write riddles for each
Print Landmark Legend sheets
The Mystery Object Hook
Gather students. Say: "I'm looking at something blue, metal, and you slide down it." (Slide).
Try another: "I'm looking at something tall, has many branches, and is near the cafeteria door." (Specific Tree).
Goal: Connect verbal description to visual reality.
Activity: Riddle Run
1. Team Formation:
Split class into teams of 3-4. Each team needs a Landmark Legend sheet and one pencil.
2. The Clues:
Read a clue aloud to the whole group. Teams must discuss, find the landmark, and run to it (safely!). Once there, they must record the landmark name or a "Secret Symbol" you've taped to the object.
Sample Riddles (Customise for your school!)
Station 1: The Goal Post "I stand at the end of the field with my arms in the air, waiting for a ball to fly through the middle."
Station 2: Water Fountain "I am silver and cool. If you are thirsty after a run, I have the button you need to push."
Station 3: The Library Door "I have a window but I am not a wall. I am the portal to a world of books and stories."
Station 4: Bike Rack "I have many silver ribs but no lungs. I hold your wheels while you learn your lessons."
Debrief & Map Link
Discuss: Which clue was the hardest? Why? Point out that Landmarks are the "skeleton" of any map. Without landmarks, we wouldn't know where we are!
Landmark Legend Worksheet Landmark Legend
Wayfinder Wonders Expedition Journal
Team Name:
Explorers:
Your Mission:
Listen to the Riddle. Find the landmark. Write the code or symbol you find there!
0 / 8
LANDMARK 1
What is it?
Secret Code
LANDMARK 2
What is it?
Secret Code
LANDMARK 3
What is it?
Secret Code
LANDMARK 4
What is it?
Secret Code
LANDMARK 5
What is it?
Secret Code
LANDMARK 6
What is it?
Secret Code
Final Explorer Question:
If you were telling a friend how to find Landmark #3, what is one "observation detail" you would use? (color, shape, material, location?)
Landmark Lookout Slides Landmark Lookout
Seeing the World Like an Explorer
Wayfinder Wonders: Lesson 2
What is a Landmark?
BIG
Easy to see from far away.
UNIQUE
Doesn't look like everything else.
STUCK
It doesn't move around.
"Is a parked car a good landmark? Why or why not?"
The Riddle Run
LISTEN
Hear the clues carefully. Discuss with your team.
LOOK
Scan the schoolyard for the object being described.
LOCATE
Run to the landmark. Check for the Secret Code.
LOG
Record the code on your Legend sheet.
Explorer Ethics
Stick with your team!
Run safely (watch for others).
Keep the secret code a secret!
Star Loop Teacher Guide Control Point Chase
Teacher Session Plan
Lesson 3 of 5
Wayfinder Wonders Sequence
Learning Objective
Students will demonstrate aerobic endurance by completing a "Star Loop" course and correctly using orienteering control markers and punch cards.
Equipment
6-8 Control Markers (Orange/White)
Different shaped hole punches
Punch Card sheets
Whistle & Stopwatch
The Hidden Shape Hook
Show a specialized hole punch (star, heart, etc.). Punch a hole in a scrap paper. "Explorers use these to prove they reached a waypoint. Today, you're going to collect a whole set of hidden shapes!"
Activity: The Star Loop
Course Layout:
Set up 6-8 markers in a wide circle around the field or gym. Place a unique hole punch at each marker. The center of the circle is the "Base Camp" where you (the teacher) stand.
1
The Out: Students start at Base Camp. Give them the number of the marker they must find first (e.g., "Explorer Alpha, go to Marker 3!").
2
The Punch: They run to Marker 3, punch the correct box on their card, and run back to you.
3
The Next: They show you the punch, then you assign them their next marker. This ensures students are running "out and back" repeatedly, building endurance without getting lost.
Control Marker Ethics
Remind students not to move the markers or take the hole punches. If a punch is missing, they should report it to Base Camp immediately.
Pacing Check-in
As students return, check their breathing. Encourage a "sustainable pace"—not a sprint, but a steady jog that they can keep up for the whole star.
Endurance Debrief
Ask: "How did your legs feel on the first loop vs. the last loop? Why is it important for an explorer to have stamina (endurance)?"
Punch Card Collector Sheet Explorer Punch Card
Wayfinder Wonders Sequence • Lesson 3
Explorer ID:
Mission: The Star Loop
Run to the marker number your teacher gives you. Punch the correct box below. Return to Base Camp for your next assignment!
1
Control 1
2
Control 2
3
Control 3
4
Control 4
5
Control 5
6
Control 6
7
Control 7
8
Control 8
Stamina Reflection
How did your legs feel after Loop 1?
How did your legs feel after Loop 8?
Control Point Slides Control Point Chase
Speed, Stamina, and Secret Shapes
Wayfinder Wonders: Lesson 3
3
The Beacon
The Target
In orienteering, we use Control Markers. They are orange and white flags that mark a specific waypoint.
Look for the orange/white triangle.
Check the number to make sure you're at the right spot!
The Star Loop
Step 1: Out
Start at Base Camp. Your teacher will give you a number. Run to find that marker!
Step 2: Punch
Find the hole punch. Click it into the matching box on your card. Listen for the click!
Step 3: Back
Run back to Base Camp as fast as you can. Show your teacher the punch!
Step 4: Repeat
Get a new number and start your next loop. Can you collect all 8 shapes?
Sustainable Stamina
"Don't start like a rocket and finish like a snail. Start like a wolf and finish like a wolf."
STAMINA = The ability to keep going for a long time.
Find your steady pace!
Photo Hunt Teacher Guide Photo Hunt Guide
Teacher Preparation & Logistics
Lesson 4 of 5
Wayfinder Wonders Sequence
Learning Objective
Students will translate 2D visual information (photos) into 3D physical navigation by identifying exact locations on the school grounds.
Prep Tasks
Take 10 photos of schoolyard details
Print & laminate photo cards
Place numbered codes at locations
The "Zoom-In" Hook
Show the class a very zoomed-in photo of a familiar school object (e.g., the texture of a brick wall, the handle of a specific gate, the corner of a playground sign).
"Who knows exactly where I stood to take this picture?"
Activity: Snapshot Secret Hunt
Instead of a map with lines and symbols, students use a "Photo Map"—a sheet with photos of their waypoints. This bridges the gap between the real world and abstract map symbols.
Team Work (Pairs):
Give each pair a Snapshot Worksheet.
They look at the photo for Point A. They must find that exact perspective in the real schoolyard.
Once they find the spot, they look for a small tag with a 2-letter secret code (e.g., "XY").
Record the code and move to Photo B.
Pro Tips for Photos
Vary the Difficulty
Include some easy wide shots (the whole slide) and some hard close-ups (a specific drain pipe corner).
Check Perspective
Make sure the photo is taken from a height and angle that a 3rd grader can actually see!
Debrief: Photos vs. Maps
Discuss: "How is a photo different from a map symbol? Why might a photo be easier than a map? Why might it be harder if you are looking from the wrong side?"
Snapshot Secret Codes Worksheet Snapshot Secret Hunt
Wayfinder Wonders Sequence • Lesson 4
Explorers:
Mission: Find the exact spot where each photo below was taken. Look for a small tag with a 2-Letter Code and write it in the box!
PHOTO A
[Teacher: Glue/Tape Photo A here]
A
Secret Code:
PHOTO B
[Teacher: Glue/Tape Photo B here]
B
Secret Code:
PHOTO C
[Teacher: Glue/Tape Photo C here]
C
Secret Code:
PHOTO D
[Teacher: Glue/Tape Photo D here]
D
Secret Code:
The perspective puzzle
"Which photo was the hardest to find? Why?"
Reason A: Too Close Up
Reason B: Hidden Angle
Photo Finisher Slides Photo Finisher
Your World Through the Lens
Wayfinder Wonders: Lesson 4
Maps vs. Photos
MAP
Uses Symbols to represent things. Shows the world from above.
PHOTO
Shows the Actual Image. Shows the world from the side.
Perspective Matters
If you are looking at the Front of a building, but the photo shows the Back, will you find it?
NO!
1
Look at the photo details.
2
Check the height (high or low?).
3
Circle the object to find the angle.
Snapshot Rules
Pairs only! Stay with your partner.
No shouting codes. Keep them secret!
Found it? High-five, record, and move on.
GO FIND PHOTO A!
Expedition Leader Teacher Guide Expedition Leader Guide
Final Assessment & Facilitation
Lesson 5 of 5
Wayfinder Wonders Sequence
Learning Objective
Students will apply all prior navigation skills (pacing, landmarks, controls) to complete a multi-point course as a cooperative team within a 30-minute time limit.
Course Prep
Set 10 unique control points
Create a simple schoolyard map
Synchronization of stopwatches
The Expedition Scroll Hook
Present the teams with their "Expedition Scrolls" (the map & navigator sheet).
"Today is the day! All your pacing, your eagle-eyes for landmarks, and your stamina come together. The race for the Schoolyard Cup begins now!"
The Multi-Point Course
Rules of Engagement:
Team Unity: Teams must move as a pack. They cannot split up to find different points. If one member stops to tie a shoe, the whole team stops.
Sequence: Points must be found in the order listed on their sheet (A -> B -> C etc.) to simulate a real expedition route.
The Finish: All teams must return to the Finish Line before the 30-minute whistle, even if they haven't found every point.
Observation Assessment (Teacher)
Are teams using pacing to check their distance on long stretches?
Are students identifying landmarks accurately to confirm their map position?
Is there positive communication and teamwork?
Cool Down & Awards
Gather for a final circle. Distribute "Wayfinder Certificates." Ask: "What was the most important skill you used today?"
Expedition Navigator Worksheet Expedition Navigator
The Grand Finale • Expedition Schoolyard
Team:
Time In:
NORTH
MAP AREA
[Teacher: Sketch or Paste Schoolyard Map Here]
Waypoint Log
Find them in order!
A
B
C
D
E
F
Safety Check
No Running on Concrete
Stay within eyesight of teacher
Help teammates who are tired
Skill Integration: Pacing
How many paces did it take to go from Point A to Point B?
_____ paces
Skill Integration: Landmarks
Which landmark was the best "anchor" for your map reading?
Team reflection
What was the biggest challenge your team solved today?
Expedition Ready Slides Expedition Ready
The Schoolyard Cup Challenge
Wayfinder Wonders: The Final Mission
The Mission
1
Navigate to 8 secret waypoints using your map.
2
Record the hidden code at every station.
3
Return to the finish line before the 30-minute whistle!
30:00
"Accuracy is more important than speed. A lost explorer is never fast!"
The Team Success Kit
ONE TEAM
Stick together. No one runs alone.
CHECK TWICE
Use pacing and landmarks together.
TALK IT OUT
Agree on the direction before moving.
Final Inventory
Map Card
Pencil
Pacing Brain
Team Spirit
EXPEDITION START IN 5... 4... 3...
