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Lesson 2 - Cone Orienteering and Map Navigation

Map Reading Foundations and Team Navigation Adventures

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Year 3

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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45 min

Big Question

How can we work together as a team to navigate successfully using maps?

Learning Objectives

To understand the concept of orienteering and map orientation
To develop teamwork and collaboration skills through navigation challenges
To learn how to use basic map reading skills to follow a route

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to orientate a map correctly to match their surroundings
Students will demonstrate effective teamwork and communication during navigation tasks
Students will successfully complete cone orienteering courses using map reading skills

Equipment & Resources Required

Coloured Cones

30-40 various colours

Scattered around designated area matching cone orienteering maps

Alternative: Coloured markers, bean bags, or laminated cards

Maps

1 per pair (15 maps)

Different difficulty levels prepared for differentiation

Alternative: Laminated simple area maps with cone locations marked

Sun Markers

12-16 cones or markers

For recording scores and progress through courses

Alternative: Clipboards with paper and pencils

Key Vocabulary

Orienteering

A sport involving navigation around a course using a map and sometimes a compass

Orientate

To position a map so it matches the direction you are facing in real life

Navigate

To find your way from one place to another using a map or directions

Course

A planned route with specific checkpoints to visit in order

Collaboration

Working together effectively to achieve a shared goal

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of following directions
Experience working in pairs or small groups
Familiarity with colours and basic spatial awareness

Current Skills

Map orientation techniques
Basic navigation using visual markers
Collaborative problem-solving in outdoor activities

Next Steps

Using compass bearings for navigation
Reading contour lines and map symbols
Independent orienteering over longer distances

Milestone Indicators

Can orientate map without adult support

Demonstrates clear communication with partner

Shows persistence when navigation becomes challenging

Key Teaching Points

Map orientation is the foundation of all successful navigation
Effective teamwork requires communication, patience and mutual support
Accuracy and collaboration are more important than speed in orienteering
Every team member's contribution is valuable and necessary for success
Problem-solving together leads to better solutions than working alone
Orienteering skills can be applied to many real-life navigation situations
Leadership means helping others succeed, not just being first

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Maps always point north at the top' - Correction: 'Maps need to be oriented to match your surroundings'
Misconception: 'Faster teams are better teams' - Correction: 'Better teams communicate and help each other'
Misconception: 'Only one person needs to read the map' - Correction: 'All team members should understand the route'
Misconception: 'Getting lost means you've failed' - Correction: 'Getting lost is part of learning - good orienteers re-orient and try again'
Misconception: 'Orienteering is just about finding cones' - Correction: 'Orienteering develops navigation, teamwork and problem-solving skills for life'

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter course segments with frequent check-ins, movement breaks between map work, clear visual boundaries, immediate positive feedback for focus

dyspraxia

Simplified maps with fewer features, extra time for navigation tasks, practice sessions for map handling, supportive peer partnerships

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, designated quiet area if overwhelmed, consistent partner throughout lesson, structured routine with predictable timing

visual impairment

Large print maps with high contrast colours, tactile markers on cones, buddy system with sighted partner, verbal descriptions of routes

hearing impairment

Visual instruction cards, clear hand signals for directions, written course instructions, buddy system for communication support

physical disability

Adapted maps for wheelchair access routes, modified cone heights for easier access, alternative scoring methods, peer support for navigation

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances between cones, using coordinates and directions, counting scores and calculating totals

Science

Forces and motion during movement, understanding friction and grip on different surfaces

Geography

Understanding maps, directions (north, south, east, west), using keys and symbols, spatial awareness

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration skills, leadership qualities, resilience when facing challenges, communication skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move actively around the orienteering area to maintain visual contact with all pairs/teams while providing support

Observation Focus

Watch for effective collaboration, proper map orientation, safe movement, and inclusive team dynamics

Intervention Points

Step in if students appear lost or frustrated, teams are excluding members, or safety boundaries are approached

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements when demonstrating map orientation. Model collaborative language and problem-solving approaches for students to copy

Verbal Cues

•'Stop and orientate your map first!'
•'What can you see around you that matches your map?'
•'Work together - two heads are better than one!'
•'Help your teammate - you're stronger together!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m outdoor area with clear boundaries, free from obstacles

Surface Check

Level ground suitable for safe movement, free from holes, debris or trip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All cones checked for damage and sharp edges
•Maps laminated and free from tears or sharp corners
•Whiteboards and pens in good working condition

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Students becoming separated during dispersed orienteering activities
•Trips and falls while looking at maps instead of where they're walking
•Collisions between pairs moving in different directions

Risk Mitigation

•Clear, well-marked boundaries established and reinforced regularly
•Emphasis on walking pace rather than running during navigation
•Regular headcounts and visual supervision during dispersed activities
•Clear emergency stop signal practised at start of lesson

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to maintain visual contact with all students during activities
•Move actively around groups rather than staying in fixed position
•Monitor boundary areas to ensure students remain within safe limits

Emergency Procedures

Established signals for immediate stop and return to base, first aid kit accessible, emergency contact procedures known