Gear Up Slides Gear Up for Adventure
Wilderness Safety: Lesson 1
The Mystery Backpack
We're heading out for a hike! But wait... what's in this bag?
Think About It:
What do we NEED to survive?
What are things we just WANT?
Is the bag too heavy?
Video Game?
Water Bottle?
Flashlight?
Heavy Book?
The 10 Essentials
The tools every Trail Blazer keeps in their pack!
Navigation
Map & Compass
Sun Protection
Hat & Sunscreen
Insulation
Extra Layers
Illumination
Flashlight
First Aid
Kit for cuts/stings
Fire
Lighter/Matches
Tools
Multi-tool/Knife
Nutrition
Extra Food
Hydration
Water!
Shelter
Space Blanket
How to Pack Your Bag
1
Bottom: Light & Soft
Put extra clothes and your rain jacket here.
2
Middle: Heavy Stuff
Put heavy water bottles close to your back.
3
Top: Quick Access
Snacks, first aid, and map on top!
TOP: Snacks & Maps
MIDDLE: Water & Gear
BOTTOM: Extra Layers
Your Turn!
We're going to sort real items into Essentials and Extras.
Open your "Pack Your Pack" Worksheet!
Pack Your Pack Worksheet Pack Your Pack
Wilderness Safety • Lesson 1
Name:
Date:
Mission Briefing
A Trail Blazer knows exactly what to bring. Look at the items below. If it's one of the 10 Essentials we NEED to stay safe, color it GREEN . If it's an Extra we don't need, color it YELLOW .
Water Bottle
Handheld Game
Flashlight
Trail Map
Plastic Toys
First Aid Kit
Extra Sweater
Snack Bar
Computer Board
Pack Your Virtual Backpack
Where should these essentials go? Draw a line from the item to the right spot in the pack!
Map & Compass
Water Bottle
Extra Fleece
TOP (Quick Access)
MIDDLE (Heavy Items)
BOTTOM (Soft Layers)
Trail Talk Question:
If your bag feels too heavy to carry, what should you do?
Gear Up Teacher Guide TEACHER GUIDE
Lesson 1: Gear Up for Adventure
Trail Blazers Series
Grade 3 • Health & PE
Lesson Summary
This lesson introduces students to the concept of preparation as the first line of defense in outdoor safety. Through a hands-on "Mystery Backpack" hook and a gear-sorting activity, students will learn the "Ten Essentials" and how to organize them efficiently for a day hike.
Learning Objectives
Identify the Ten Essentials for wilderness safety.
Differentiate between survival needs and comfort wants.
Demonstrate logical backpack organization (weight distribution).
Materials Needed
A day pack
The 10 Essentials (props)
"Luxury" items (toys, heavy books)
Student Worksheets
Instructional Steps
05
Minutes
The Mystery Backpack Hook
Empty a backpack filled with a mix of essentials and non-essentials. Ask: "If we are walking 3 miles uphill, which of these things will help us stay safe and happy? Which will just make us tired?"
15
Minutes
Direct Instruction: The 10 Essentials
Use the Gear Up Slides to introduce the 10 categories. Emphasize that these aren't just for "pro" hikers—they are for everyone. Focus on Hydration and Illumination as key safety points for kids.
20
Minutes
Sorting & Packing Practice
Hand out the Pack Your Pack Worksheet . Students first categorize the items. Then, perform a live demo of packing the bag: Heavy items in the middle, soft stuff on bottom, snacks on top.
Key Discussion Questions
"What if you don't have a professional first aid kit?"
Encourage students to think about basic supplies like band-aids and wet wipes. Preparation is about having *something*, not the most expensive thing.
"Why do heavy things go in the middle of the bag?"
Explain center of gravity. If heavy water is at the top, it pulls you backward. If it's at the bottom, it bumps your legs.
Support & Extension
For Struggling Learners
Simplify the list to the "Top 5 Essentials" (Water, Snack, Whistle, Jacket, Map) before moving to all 10.
For Advanced Learners
Ask them to prioritize the essentials: "If you could only fit THREE items, which would they be and why?"
Hazard Hunters Slides Hazard Hunters
Wilderness Safety: Lesson 2
Trail "I Spy"
Look Closely...
Nature is beautiful, but it can have hidden dangers. Can you spot these on a real trail?
Leaves of three? Let it be!
Loose rocks or slippery mud?
Dark clouds rolling in?
Poison Ivy
Loose Slopes
Reading the Sky
The Blue Sky
Safety is high! But keep an eye out for changes. Weather can turn fast.
The Grey Sky
Clouds are blocking the sun. It might get chilly or damp. Time to check your map!
The Dark Sky
Lightning and heavy rain. Seek shelter immediately in a low, safe area!
The "S.O.S." Routine
S
STOP
Stop moving immediately.
O
OBSERVE
Look for signs of danger.
S
SEE
Find the safest path away.
Safety Challenge!
We are going to look at trail photos. Can you spot the hazard before it spots you?
Get your "Hazard Hunter" Field Notes ready!
Hazard Field Notes Worksheet Hazard Hunter Field Notes
Wilderness Safety • Lesson 2
Name:
Location: Trail Scout Training Base
Part 1: Identifying Hazards
The Poisonous Plant
"Leaves of three, let it be!" Draw the leaf pattern of Poison Ivy here:
Tip: Poison Ivy can be green, red, or shiny!
Ground Dangers
Check the box for things that make ground unsafe:
Dry, flat dirt path
Loose rocks on a hill
Slippery mud or moss
Piles of dry leaves
Part 2: Sky Signs
What should you do? Match the sky to the action!
Sunny & Bright Blue
Dark, Tall Grey Clouds
Heavy Wind & Swirling Clouds
Find shelter and stay low
Keep hiking but watch sky
Hurry back to base or car
The S.O.S. Safety Rule
When you see a hazard, what do you do?
1
S ___________
2
O ___________
3
S ___________
Hazard Hunters Teacher Guide TEACHER GUIDE
Lesson 2: Hazard Hunters
Trail Blazers Series
Grade 3 • Health & PE
Lesson Summary
In this lesson, students transition from preparing gear to observing their environment. They will learn to identify biological hazards (plants), physical hazards (terrain), and environmental hazards (weather), applying a "Stop and Observe" routine to manage risk.
Learning Objectives
Identify Poison Ivy by its three-leaf pattern.
Recognize unstable terrain (loose rock, mud) as a fall hazard.
Interpret simple weather signs and correlate them with safety actions.
Prep Checklist
Photos of Poison Ivy
"I Spy" Forest Mural
Hazard Worksheets
Flashcards of weather
Instructional Steps
10
Minutes
"I Spy" Forest Challenge
Display a large forest image (digital or print). Ask students to find things that might hurt a hiker. Guide them to find the "hidden" dangers: a patch of three-leafed plants, a pile of loose rocks on a slope, or dark clouds in the corner.
15
Minutes
Case Studies & Weather
Use Hazard Hunters Slides . Show a "sunny sky" vs a "cumulonimbus cloud" (thunderhead). Discuss how weather changes affect clothing and safety decisions. Introduce the S.O.S Routine: Stop, Observe, See (a path).
15
Minutes
Field Note Entries
Students complete the Hazard Field Notes Worksheet . They draw Poison Ivy to reinforce visual memory and match weather signs to safety actions.
Facilitation Tips
Common Misconception
Students often think only animals (bears, snakes) are hazards. Remind them that falls on loose rock or getting wet/cold from rain are much more common risks.
The "SOS" Drill
Practice the SOS routine as a "freeze" game. When you say "HAZARD!", they must freeze, look around, and point to a "safe" exit path in the classroom.
Support & Extension
Support
Provide a "Safe/Hazard" picture sort for students who struggle with drawing or writing.
Extension
Ask students to create a "Danger Label" for one of the hazards, explaining exactly *why* it's dangerous (e.g., "Slippery Mud: Can cause a fall or sprained ankle").
Mapping the Wild Slides Mapping the Wild
Wilderness Safety: Lesson 3
What is a Map?
A map is a bird's eye view of a place.
Maps tell us:
Where we are (You Are Here!)
Which way is North
What is around us (Trees, Lakes, Trails)
Map Master
Map Symbols
Learn to read the legend!
Forest
Water
Trail
Campsite
Summit
Parking
First Aid
North Arrow
The Compass Rose
N
S
W
E
Never Eat Soggy Waffles!
N North
E East
S South
W West
Navigate the School!
It's time to put your skills to the test. Use your map symbols to find the path!
Open your "Map Master" Practice Sheet!
Map Master Worksheet Map Master Practice Sheet
Wilderness Safety • Lesson 3
Name:
Unit: Trail Navigation Basics
Part 1: The Legend Decoder
Look at the symbol and write what it means on the map!
NORTH
Label the Compass
N
Navigating the Park
Read the directions below and find where you end up!
1
Start at the Parking Lot . Head North on the trail.
2
Turn East when you reach the Large Lake .
3
Keep going until you see a Tent . Where are you?
Sketch Your Own Map!
Draw a map of the classroom or playground. Include a Legend and a Compass Rose !
Mapping the Wild Teacher Guide TEACHER GUIDE
Lesson 3: Mapping the Wild
Trail Blazers Series
Grade 3 • Health & PE
Lesson Summary
This lesson introduces students to spatial awareness and the fundamentals of navigation. Students will learn that maps are simplified "bird's-eye" views and that legends act as a translator for the "secret language" of map symbols. The lesson culminates in a practical navigation course.
Learning Objectives
Identify common map symbols (Trail, Water, Forest, Campsite).
Label the cardinal directions on a compass rose.
Navigate a simple 3-step course using directional language.
Prep Checklist
Large local trail map
Cones/Markers for course
Map Master Worksheets
"Treasure" for the end
Instructional Steps
10
Minutes
The "Mystery Map" Hook
Show a map of the school playground without a legend. Ask: "What are these blue circles? Puddles? Trash cans? Portals?" Then show the legend revealing they are the playground swings. Discuss why we need symbols.
15
Minutes
The Compass & Legend
Use Mapping the Wild Slides . Teach cardinal directions using the mnemonic "Never Eat Soggy Waffles." Point to the actual North in the classroom. Review the 6 main symbols for the unit.
25
Minutes
Navigation Simulation
Students complete Part 1 & 2 of the Map Master Worksheet . Then, transition to the "course." Set up 4 markers (N, S, E, W) in the gym. Give students instructions: "Walk 5 steps North. Turn East and walk to the blue cone."
Facilitation Tips
Orientation Tip
Always have students orient their map to the room. If North is the whiteboard, the top of the map should point to the whiteboard. "North on the map is North on the ground."
Spatial Perspective
Help kids understand "Bird's Eye View" by standing on a chair and looking down at a desk. "This is how a map sees the world!"
Support & Extension
Support
Provide pre-cut stickers of map symbols for students to place on their own map in Part 3.
Extension
Introduce "Intermediate Directions" (NE, SE, NW, SW) for students who master the basics quickly.
Layer Up Safety Slides Layer Up for Safety
Wilderness Safety: Lesson 4
Dress Like an Onion!
1
Base Layer
This pulls sweat away from your skin to keep you dry.
2
Mid Layer
This traps heat. Think of a fleece or a sweater!
3
Outer Layer
The "Shell." This stops wind and rain from getting in.
Cotton Kills!
Why Not Cotton?
It drinks water like a sponge.
Once it's wet, it stays wet and makes you freezing cold.
What's Better?
Synthetics: Polyester or Nylon.Wool: Warm even when wet!
Hot Weather Safety
Protect Your Skin
Wear a hat and light, loose clothing.
Sip, Don't Gulp
Drink small amounts of water constantly.
Be Cool!
Layering Relay!
Can you dress your team for a stormy day? You have 60 seconds to find the right layers!
Open your "Dress for Success" Worksheet!
Dress for Success Worksheet Dress for Success Challenge
Wilderness Safety • Lesson 4
Name:
Theme: Thermal Safety
Part 1: The Layer System
Draw a line from the layer name to its job and an example item!
BASE LAYER
MID LAYER
OUTER LAYER
Stops wind & rain
Wicks away sweat
Traps body heat
Rain Shell
Synthetic Tee
Fleece Hoodie
Avoid this!
COTTON
Why is it dangerous when wet?
Wear this!
Which fabrics stay safe when wet?
Wool
Polyester
Denim
Linen
Circle the two correct answers above!
The Forecast Challenge
Stormy
The sky is grey and it's starting to pour rain. Which layer is MOST important right now?
Hot/Sunny
It is 85°F and sunny. Should you wear your fleece mid-layer? Why or why not?
Layer Up Teacher Guide TEACHER GUIDE
Lesson 4: Layer Up for Safety
Trail Blazers Series
Grade 3 • Health & PE
Lesson Summary
In this lesson, students explore the science of thermal safety. They will learn the "Three-Layer System" used by hikers to manage body temperature and moisture. The lesson emphasizes fabric choice—specifically why cotton is a safety hazard in the wilderness—and how to adapt clothing to changing weather.
Learning Objectives
Explain the function of base, mid, and outer layers.
Identify why cotton is inappropriate for cold/wet hiking.
Select appropriate clothing for both hot/sunny and cold/wet scenarios.
Relay Props
Base: Poly tees / Thermal tops
Mid: Fleece / Wool sweaters
Outer: Rain jackets / Ponchos
2 Socks: 1 Cotton, 1 Wool
Instructional Steps
10
Minutes
The "Wet Sock" Experiment
Dip one cotton sock and one wool/synthetic sock in water. Let students touch both. Ask: "Which one feels heavier? Which one feels colder?" Explain that cotton pulls heat away from the body when wet, which can lead to hypothermia.
15
Minutes
The Onion System
Use Layer Up Safety Slides . Introduce Base, Mid, and Shell. Use the onion analogy: we peel layers off as we get hot (hiking up a hill) and put them back on as we get cold (resting at the top).
25
Minutes
Layering Relay Race
Split the class into teams. Place a pile of mixed clothing at the end of the room. Call out a scenario: "A cold, windy rainstorm!" One student from each team must run, find a Shell layer, and bring it back. Repeat for different layers.
Facilitation Tips
Why "Wicking"?
Wicking
Explain this using a candle wick or a sponge. It moves water from inside (your skin) to outside (the air) so you don't get soggy and cold.
Don't Forget the Extremities
Remind students that hats and dry socks are "extra" layers that can save the day. Heat leaves through our heads!
Support & Extension
Support
Provide a "Dress the Mannequin" paper doll activity where they glue the layers in the correct order (Base -> Mid -> Shell).
Extension
Ask students to read real clothing labels (provided by you) and categorize them by material (100% Cotton, 100% Polyester, Wool Blend).
Stay Safe Stay Put Slides Stay Safe, Stay Put
Wilderness Safety: Lesson 5
What if I'm Lost?
The biggest danger when lost isn't a bear—it's Panic.
When you feel scared:
Your heart beats fast
You want to run
You stop thinking clearly
Take 3 Deep Breaths
The S.T.O.P. Rule
S
SIT
Stop moving. Stay where you are.
T
THINK
How did I get here? Where's the trail?
O
OBSERVE
Look for landmarks or trail markers.
P
PLAN
Make yourself seen and heard.
"Hug a Tree"
Once you know you're lost, find a tree and STAY THERE.
Why a Tree?
Shelter from rain/sun
Keeps you in one spot
Easier for rescuers to find
Signaling: The Rule of Three
The Whistle
Blow 3 loud blasts.
BLAST
BLAST
BLAST
Wait and listen. Then repeat.
Be Bright
Rescuers look for things that don't belong in nature.
Wave a bright jacket
Flash 3 lights at night
Shout in groups of 3
Ready for Rescue?
We're going outside for a simulated "Lost" mission. Can you follow S.T.O.P. and signal for help?
Open your "Rescue Ready" Checklist!
Rescue Ready Worksheet Rescue Ready Checklist
Wilderness Safety • Lesson 5
Name:
Goal: Stay Calm, Stay Safe
The S.T.O.P. Checklist
What do you do first if you think you're lost? Write the word and a drawing or note for each!
S
________________
T
________________
O
________________
P
________________
Emergency Signals
How many times should you signal to tell a rescuer "I need help"?
Draw 3 whistles, 3 flashes, or 3 shouts!
Hug a Tree
A tree is your new best friend! Why should you stay with it?
It provides shelter.
It keeps you from wandering further away.
It helps you hide from animals. (FALSE!)
Self-Regulation Prompt
If you feel very scared or start to cry, what is something you can say to yourself to feel better?
Stay Safe Teacher Guide TEACHER GUIDE
Lesson 5: Stay Safe Stay Put
Trail Blazers Series
Grade 3 • Health & PE
Lesson Summary
The capstone lesson of the unit addresses the psychological and physical response to getting lost. Students will learn the "S.T.O.P." rule and the "Hug a Tree" protocol to prevent wandering further away from help. They will practice emergency signaling using the "Rule of Three" (whistles, flashes, or shouts).
Learning Objectives
Demonstrate the S.T.O.P. rule in a simulated scenario.
Explain why staying in one place ("Hug a Tree") is safer than moving.
Perform emergency signals in groups of three (the "Rule of Three").
Simulation Props
Emergency Whistles
Cones or actual trees
Rescue Checklists
Brightly colored jacket
Instructional Steps
10
Minutes
Whistle vs. Shout Challenge
Take the class outside. Have one student shout as loud as they can. Then, blow an emergency whistle. Ask: "Which one would I hear from the next mountain over? Which one makes me more tired?" Discuss energy conservation.
15
Minutes
The Psychology of STOP
Use Stay Safe Stay Put Slides . Explain that the brain's first reaction is to run, but that makes it harder for rescuers to find you. Introduce "Hug a Tree" as a way to create a 'home base' in the woods.
25
Minutes
The "Lost" Simulation
Scatter students in a safe outdoor area. Tell them they are now "lost." They must: 1. Sit down immediately (S). 2. Find a nearby tree. 3. Practice blowing their whistle in groups of 3 (or shouting "Help" 3 times). Evaluate using the Rescue Ready Worksheet .
Facilitation Tips
The "Rule of Three"
Explain that nature doesn't usually make noises in sets of three. Rescuers are trained to listen for three of anything—blasts, shouts, or even three big rocks placed in a row.
Emotional Safety
Being lost is scary. Teach kids to talk to the tree or sing a song to keep their "Panic Monster" away. This is a real technique used by survivalists.
Support & Extension
Support
Provide a "Whistle lanyard" project where students make their own whistle neck strap to emphasize always having the tool ready.
Extension
Have students write a "Letter to a Rescuer" explaining all the things they did right while waiting to be found.
