Lesson 5 - Map Navigation and Problem Solving
Collaborative Navigation Adventures
•Year 3
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use maps and teamwork to solve challenges in our school environment?
Learning Objectives
- To develop map reading and navigation skills using school grounds
- To apply problem-solving strategies under time pressure
- To demonstrate effective teamwork and communication during orienteering challenges
Key Outcomes
- Students will successfully orientate a map using key features to locate controls
- Students will work collaboratively to complete navigation challenges within time limits
- Students will reflect on and improve their problem-solving strategies
Equipment & Resources Required
Laminated maps with clear control point markings
Alternative: Hand-drawn maps, aerial photos with key features marked
Clearly visible from 10m distance, secured from wind
Alternative: Coloured cards, laminated numbers, clipboards
Ensure pens are working and whiteboards clean
Alternative: Clipboards with paper, recording sheets
Include control locations, numbers, and correct answers
Alternative: Digital answer key on tablet
Ensure clearly visible/audible signal for time limits
Alternative: Mobile phone timer, PE department timer
Mix of effort and achievement-based rewards ready
Alternative: Verbal praise, team points, certificates
Key Vocabulary
To position a map so it matches the real landscape around you
A marked point on an orienteering course that participants must visit
The process of finding your way using a map and landmarks
The direction you need to travel to reach your destination
A recognizable feature that helps you know where you are
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of maps from previous lessons
- Experience working in pairs during orienteering activities
- Familiarity with school grounds layout
Current Skills
- Map orientation using key features and landmarks
- Navigation planning and route selection
- Problem-solving under time pressure
- Recording and calculating numerical information
Next Steps
- Advanced route planning and optimization
- Leading small group navigation challenges
- Creating their own orienteering courses
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Map orientation is the foundation of all good navigation - always turn the map to match the real world
- Partners must stay together for safety and to support each other's learning throughout challenges
- Strategic thinking improves navigation - plan routes rather than rushing randomly between controls
- Problem-solving skills transfer beyond PE - navigation challenges develop thinking skills for all subjects
- Persistence and teamwork are as important as finding the right answers in orienteering activities
- Accuracy in recording and map marking is essential for successful navigation and challenge completion
- Celebrating effort and improvement motivates continued learning in outdoor adventurous activities
Common Misconceptions
- Maps must always be held with north at the top - actually maps should be oriented to match the surrounding landscape
- Faster running means better navigation - strategic thinking and accuracy are more important than speed
- Getting lost means failure - confusion is part of learning and develops problem-solving resilience
- Only completing challenges fully counts as success - effort, improvement, and teamwork are equally valuable
- Orienteering skills are only useful outdoors - map reading and navigation thinking transfer to many life situations
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter time limits for activities, clear boundaries marked, regular check-ins with teacher, movement breaks incorporated naturally
dyspraxia
- Simplified maps with fewer details, larger control markers, extra practice time for map orientation, step-by-step instruction breakdowns
autism spectrum
- Clear structure and routines explained, visual schedule of activities, quiet break areas available, predictable partner arrangements
visual impairment
- Large print maps, bright coloured control markers, verbal descriptions of routes, buddy system with sighted partner for guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual signals for time limits, written instructions provided, clear visual demonstrations of all techniques, vibrating timer if available
physical disability
- Modified control positions accessible by wheelchair, shortened distances between controls, seated map reading options, alternative recording methods
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Spelling challenges, vocabulary development through orienteering terms, following written instructions and recording information
Maths
Calculating totals from collected numbers, measuring distances between controls, understanding scale and coordinates on maps
Science
Understanding magnetic north and compass use, forces needed for movement, observation and recording skills
Geography
Map reading skills, understanding symbols and keys, spatial awareness, compass directions and orientation
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position on playground for maximum visibility, move strategically to support struggling pairs while maintaining overview
Observation Focus
Watch for pair cohesion, map orientation skills, problem-solving persistence, and safety awareness throughout challenges
Intervention Points
Step in if pairs become separated, students appear lost or confused, safety concerns arise, or persistent frustration develops
Demonstration Notes
Model calm, systematic navigation throughout. Show map orientation clearly with exaggerated movements. Demonstrate partnership working and communication. Show celebrating effort as well as achievement
Verbal Cues
- •'Stay with your partner - navigators work as teams!'
- •'Turn your map to match what you can see!'
- •'Look around - which landmark can help you?'
- •'Take your time and think it through!'
- •'Great problem-solving - keep going!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large outdoor area including playground and field access, minimum 50m x 50m clear space
Surface Check
Check playground and field areas for hazards, ensure controls placed away from obstacles
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Maps laminated to prevent paper cuts and weather damage
- •Control markers securely positioned and weighted if windy
- •Whiteboards and pens checked for safety and functionality
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Students becoming separated from partners
- •Collision with static obstacles while navigation
- •Getting lost or confused about boundaries
- •Weather-related risks if outdoors
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and explained before activity
- •Mandatory pair work with strict stay-together rules
- •Teacher positioned for maximum visibility of all pairs
- •Weather contingency plans including indoor alternatives
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for overview of entire activity area
- •Regular circulation to check on all pairs
- •Clear whistle signals for immediate return
- •Emergency procedures established and communicated
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately on whistle signal, all pairs return to central point, appropriate first aid/support available, emergency contact procedures clear