Cardinal Directions Slides Cardinal Directions
Finding Your Way in the Great Outdoors
Wayfinder Navigation: Lesson 1
The Big Question
"How can we find our way effectively when there are no visible paths or trails to follow?"
Think about a time you were in a big park or the woods. What helped you know which way to go?
The Four Directions
N
North
Always points toward the North Pole.
E
East
Where the sun rises every morning.
S
South
Always points away from the North Pole.
W
West
Where the sun sets every evening.
How to Remember the Order
Go Clockwise from the top:
N
Never
E
Eat
S
Soggy
W
Waffles
Can you think of your own mnemonic? "Never Eat Slimy Worms?"
Using Nature's Compass
Morning
Point your right arm toward the sunrise. You are pointing East.
Evening
Point your left arm toward the sunset. You are pointing West.
Secret Tip:
If you know where East and West are, North is right in front of you and South is behind you!
Imagine yourself standing with your arms out...
Game Time!
Compass Simon Says
Face the direction called out.
Jump toward the direction called out.
Point to where the sun rises.
Direction Detective Handout Direction Detective
Wayfinder Navigation | Lesson 1 Handout
Name:
Date:
1. Label the Compass Rose
Fill in the missing cardinal directions in the circles below.
N
2. Mnemonic Magic
Write your own funny sentence to remember N, E, S, W in clockwise order!
N
E
S
W
3. Sun Navigation
A. If you see the sun rising in the morning, which direction are you looking?
B. If you see the sun setting in the evening, which direction are you looking?
Bonus Challenge: Drawing
Draw a tree. Add the sun to the West side of the tree.
Field Notes
Stand in the center of the playground. What do you see in each direction?
North:
East:
South:
West:
Cardinal Games Facilitator Guide Cardinal Games
Facilitator Guide
LESSON 1
Instructional Goal
The objective of this session is to move cardinal directions from abstract concepts on a map to physical realities in space. By using games, students develop muscle memory for orientation.
Materials Needed
Open field or gym
Compass (for teacher)
Cones (optional)
Activity 1: Compass Simon Says
15 Minutes
Preparation:
Use a compass to identify North in your space. Place a cone or designate a clear landmark (like a wall or goalpost) for North. Briefly explain that East is to the right of North, West is to the left, and South is behind.
Commands to Use:
Basic Orientation
"Face North!"
"Point your left arm West."
"Jump twice toward the South."
Natural Cues
"Point to where the sun sets."
"Show me the direction of sunrise."
"Put your back to the South."
Activity 2: Directional Dash
20 Minutes
Rules:
Divide the class into four groups. Each group starts at a "Home" cone in the center.
Label four corners of the play area: North, East, South, and West.
When the teacher calls a direction, the first student in each relay line must run to that corner and back.
Variation: Call out a mnemonic part (e.g., "Waffles!") and students must run to the corresponding direction (West).
Scaffold Tip
If students are struggling, have them repeat the mnemonic out loud as they move: "North, East, South, West... Never Eat Soggy Waffles!" while pointing to the corners.
Wrap-Up Discussion
1
"If you are lost in the woods and the sun is going down, how can that help you find your way?"
2
"Why do we need specific names like North and East instead of just saying 'left' or 'up'?"
Compass Anatomy Slides The Magic Needle
Understanding the Anatomy of Your Compass
Wayfinder Navigation: Lesson 2
What is a Compass?
A compass is a tool that uses the Earth's magnetic field to show us where North is.
Did you know?
The center of the Earth is like a giant bar magnet. Your compass needle is a tiny magnet that loves to point toward it!
Anatomy of Your Tool
1
Baseplate
The clear plastic bottom. It stays flat on your hand.
2
Direction of Travel Arrow
Points the way you are walking. Follow me!
3
Compass Housing
The spinning dial with numbers (0° to 360°).
4
Magnetic Needle
The red part ALWAYS points to Magnetic North.
5
Orienting Arrow
The red outline inside the dial. This is the "Shed".
The Secret Technique
"Put Red Fred in the Shed!"
Red Fred: The red magnetic needle.
The Shed: The red orienting arrow outline.
Turn the Compass Housing until the "Shed" (outline) is directly under "Red Fred" (needle).
Don't Get Tricked!
Electronics
Keep phones and tablets away. They have magnets too!
Metal
Buckles, zippers, or fences can pull your needle the wrong way.
Not Flat
The needle can't spin if the compass is tilted. Hold it like a tray!
Workshop Time
Pick up your compass. Can you find each part we just learned?
1. Hold it Flat
2. Spin the Dial
3. Find Red Fred!
Compass Parts Labeling Handout Compass Inspector
Wayfinder Navigation | Lesson 2 Workshop
Navigator:
Date:
1. Parts of the Tool
Word Bank
Baseplate
Compass Housing
Magnetic Needle
Direction Arrow
Orienting Arrow
Tip: Look at your real compass to help you find each part!
2. Red Fred in the Shed
In your own words, explain how to "Put Red Fred in the Shed." What do you have to move? What are you looking for?
Compass Interference Test
Place your compass near these objects. Does the needle move? Circle what you find!
Your Phone
YES
NO
A Watch
YES
NO
House Keys
YES
NO
Bearing Basics Slides Following the Line
Setting Bearings and Finding Landmarks
Wayfinder Navigation: Lesson 3
What is a Bearing?
A bearing is a specific direction measured in degrees.
The Compass Clock:
0° North
90° East
180° South
270° West
360 Degrees around the dial
How to Set Your Path
1
Spin the Dial
Turn the housing until your degree number matches the index line at the top.
2
Turn Your Body
Keep the compass flat and turn YOUR WHOLE BODY until Red Fred is in the Shed.
3
Look Ahead
Look past the Direction Arrow. Pick a tree, a rock, or a post to walk toward.
The Landmark Trick
It's hard to look at your compass and where you are walking at the same time.
Pick a target!
"Aim for that tall pine tree."
"Aim for the red brick on the wall."
The Back-to-Back Challenge
Stand back-to-back with your partner.
Student A sets bearing 0° (North).
Student B sets bearing 180° (South).
Walk 15 steps exactly on your bearing.
Are you still in a straight line?
Bearing Practice Log Wayfinder Log
Lesson 3 | Setting and Following Bearings
Navigator:
Partner:
The 3-Step Checklist
1. Set Degrees on Dial
2. Put Red Fred in Shed
3. Pick a Landmark
Practice Missions
Mission Bearing Landmark (Target Object) Did you make it? 1. Due East 90° 2. South-ish 200° 3. NW Quest 320° 4. Choice
Back-to-Back Challenge Result
After walking 15 paces, look back at your partner. How far apart were you from being in a perfect straight line?
Bullseye! (Straight line)
A little bit off (1-2 steps)
Way off! (Many steps)
Navigator's Reflection
What was the hardest part about walking in a straight line while using the compass?
Movement Game Prompts Speed & Direction
The Compass Games Challenge
Wayfinder Navigation: Lesson 4
The Compass Clock
Your field is a giant compass. The center is your home.
N
North is 12 o'clock
E
East is 3 o'clock
S
South is 6 o'clock
W
West is 9 o'clock
0° 90° 180° 270°
Bearing Relay
How to Play:
Get into teams of four.
Teacher calls a degree number.
Runner 1 sets the bearing and sprints to the marker.
Tag your partner to go next!
Fast Feet + Sharp Minds = Winning!
Rapid Fire!
Can you point to these directions in under 2 seconds?
90°
180°
270°
0°
Movement Games Facilitator Guide Movement Master
Field Game Facilitator Guide
Lesson 4
Game 1: The Compass Clock
15-20 MIN FAST PACED
Setup
Place 12 markers (cones) in a large circle. Cone 12 must be exactly North (0°).
Grouping
Students stand in the center. They are the "clock hands."
Goal
Translate compass bearings into physical clock positions.
Gameplay Instructions:
Call out a cardinal direction: "NORTH!" students run to the 12 o'clock cone.
Call out a bearing: "90 DEGREES!" students run to the 3 o'clock cone.
Elimination Mode: The last 2 students to reach the correct cone are out (they can help judge).Advanced: Call out "135 DEGREES!" students must find the spot between East (3) and South (6).
Game 2: The Bearing Relay
20-25 MIN TEAMWORK
Process:
Divide students into teams of 4. Each team has one compass.
Place a bucket of "treasure" (tokens/balls) 20 paces away in different directions.
Give Team 1 a bearing (e.g., 45°). Runner 1 must set the bearing, find the landmark, and run to the bucket.
They bring back one token and pass the compass like a baton to the next runner.
The "Red Fred" Check
The partner waiting in line must check the runner's compass before they take off. If Red Fred isn't in the Shed, they can't run! This reinforces accuracy over speed.
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
North
0° / 360°
East
90°
South
180°
West
270°
Wayfinder Scavenger Hunt Card The Final Quest
Wayfinder Scavenger Hunt
Team Name:
Start Time:
How to Play:
Follow each clue carefully. Set your bearing, walk the exact number of paces, and find the Secret Letter hidden at that spot. Combine all letters to solve the final code!
Safety First
Stay within the boundaries. Use your eyes, not just your compass!
Step Bearing Distance Secret Letter 1. From the Red Oak Tree 45° (NE) 25 Paces 2. From Clue 1 marker 180° (S) 15 Paces
|
| 3. From Clue 2 marker | 270° (W) | 30 Paces |
|
| 4. From Clue 3 marker | 10° (N) | 20 Paces |
|
| 5. From Clue 4 marker | 90° (E) | 12 Paces |
|
Solve the Secret Code!
Write the letters from above in the correct order to reveal the Wayfinder's Password:
1
2
3
4
5
Bring this completed card to the teacher to unlock the Treasure Box!
Hunt Setup Guide Scavenger Setup
Teacher Preparation Guide
Lesson 5
Mission Logistics
Materials Needed:
5 Index cards with secret letters
Transparent tape or binder clips
A small locked box or "Treasure Bag"
Stickers or small rewards for the box
The Secret Code:
The suggested password for the scavenger hunt card is:
N
O
R
T
H
Field Setup Instructions
1
Pick your Landmarks
The hunt is designed to start from a single fixed point (e.g., a specific tree or post). Ensure each subsequent "station" is attached to a visible object like a fence post, a bench leg, or a wall.
2
Measure the Bearings
The Scavenger Hunt Card uses standard bearings (45°, 180°, etc.). Use your own compass to verify these lines of sight in your specific field. If the objects don't align, tell students to adjust the "Start Tree" location.
3
Hide the Letters
Place the letters (N-O-R-T-H) at the 5 locations. Don't hide them too well—students should be rewarded for correct navigation, not for digging!
Field Troubleshooting
The "Drift": Students often drift to the right or left. Remind them to look at their landmark, not at their feet.
Pace Size: 3rd graders have different stride lengths. Have them practice 10 paces first to see how long their "normal walk" is.
Magnetic North: Ensure students are not standing near cars or large metal structures during the start, as it will throw off all subsequent stations.
The "Reset": If a team gets lost, have them return to the previous station rather than guessing the next one.
