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Lesson 7 - Navigation and Map Reading Skills

Team Resilience & Problem Solving

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Year 5

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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Big Question

How can we use maps and compass directions to navigate efficiently and work as an effective team?

Learning Objectives

To develop navigational skills and map reading ability
To work effectively with a partner to complete an orienteering course
To understand cardinal directions and map orientation

Key Outcomes

Students will navigate around a course using a map with increasing confidence
Students will demonstrate effective partnership working and communication
Students will understand how to orientate a map to match their surroundings

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Place at netball court markings with number clues underneath

Alternative: Markers, posts, or distinctive objects

Pencils

One per pair for recording answers

Alternative: Pens, clipboards with attached pencils

Mats

15 copies

Simplified map showing cone positions and cardinal directions

Alternative: Laminated versions for weather protection

Score Sheets

Teacher copy

Space for recording sums found at each cone

Alternative: Clipboards with recording sheets

Cards

Multiple sets

Different sequences of cones to visit

Alternative: Different coloured cards for different difficulty levels

Key Vocabulary

Orientate

To position a map so that it matches the real world around you

Cardinal Points

The four main compass directions: North, East, South, West

Navigation

The skill of finding your way from one place to another using maps and compass

Route

A planned path from one location to another

Bearing

A compass direction expressed as an angle from North

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of directions (left, right, forwards, backwards)
Ability to work cooperatively with others
Basic map reading skills from geography lessons

Current Skills

Map orientation using cardinal directions
Navigation using maps and landmarks
Effective partnership communication
Problem-solving in outdoor environments

Next Steps

Advanced orienteering with compass bearings
Route planning and time estimation
Leading orienteering activities for younger students

Milestone Indicators

Students can orientate maps without prompting

Partnerships work smoothly with shared responsibilities

Navigation becomes more efficient with practice

Key Teaching Points

Map orientation is fundamental - always turn the map to match the real world
Effective partnerships require shared roles and clear communication
Cardinal directions are fixed reference points that never change
Navigation accuracy improves with systematic approach and regular checking
Problem-solving combines map reading skills with mathematical thinking
Teamwork impacts performance - cooperation leads to better results
Orienteering develops both physical and cognitive skills simultaneously

Common Misconceptions

Thinking you turn your body instead of the map for orientation - teach map rotation instead
Believing East and West swap depending on direction faced - emphasise cardinal directions are fixed
Assuming navigation is only about reading maps - highlight importance of partnership communication
Thinking speed is more important than accuracy - promote systematic, careful navigation
Believing one person should do all navigation - emphasise shared responsibility benefits

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter route segments with regular checking points, clear partnership structures, fidget tools available during reflection

dyspraxia

Simplified maps with clear visual markers, extended time for orientation activities, step-by-step navigation prompts

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedules for orienteering sequence, defined boundaries and predictable routines, quiet zones available

visual impairment

Large print maps with high contrast, verbal descriptions of cone positions, tactile markers at cone positions

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all instructions, written route cards with clear diagrams, hand signals for communication

physical disability

Modified routes with shorter distances, seated navigation activities, adapted recording methods

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Problem-solving approaches, systematic investigation methods, recording and analysing data

Geography

Understanding cardinal directions, map reading skills, spatial awareness and orientation

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position allowing oversight of entire course, moving strategically to support pairs

Observation Focus

Navigation accuracy, partnership cooperation, safety during movement, map orientation technique

Intervention Points

When students struggle with map orientation, when partnerships become uncooperative, when navigation becomes inaccurate

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Show clear map orientation technique, model effective partnership communication, illustrate route planning strategies

Verbal Cues

•'Orientate your map to match what you see!'
•'Share the navigation roles with your partner!'
•'Use the cone positions to help you navigate!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Netball court or equivalent space minimum 30m x 15m, clear sight lines throughout

Surface Check

Even surface free from holes, wet patches, or debris that could cause slips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Cones securely positioned and visible
•No sharp edges on equipment
•Pencils stored safely when not in use

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between pairs moving around course
•Trips over equipment or course markings
•Getting lost or confused about course boundaries

Risk Mitigation

•Clear course boundaries established and communicated
•Adequate spacing between cones for safe movement
•Teacher supervision with clear sight lines across course
•Students briefed on safe movement patterns

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of entire course
•Monitor pair movements for safety
•Check equipment remains secure throughout lesson

Emergency Procedures

Standard school procedures for first aid, with teacher maintaining overview of all students and clear access routes