Thematic+Unit

Give students a lesson in navigation—from the points of the compass to GPS mapping. Teach your students some basic and more complex directional skills so they can navigate nature and the greater biosphere. This lesson starts with teaching basic directions and mapping techniques,then moves on to taking latitude and longitude coordinates and using GPS units. In two parts, teach your students about the cardinal directions and how to use a compass and maps. The lesson includes outdoor activities. 1. Sit in a circle outside. Ask students Where’s the sun? What direction is the sun? Which way is north? 2. Use an object, such as a branch, to depict north. Explain the other cardinal directions and use a mnemonic device to aid students’ memory, such as the sentence “Never eat soggy Wheaties.” 3. Ask students to use materials in the area to mark the other directions. 4. Explain what a compass is and how it functions. 5. Use a compass to test the accuracy of where students placed objects to mark directions in step 3. Make any needed corrections. 6. Say the different directions out loud, and ask students to point where the direction is   on a compass wheel or on a makeshift wheel outside. You can also hand out cards with directions for students to place on the wheel. For older students, ask them to determine more precise directions, such as northwest or southeast. 7. Go inside and ask students to find north and other directions in the classroom. 8. Have the students make direction markers and post them on the walls of the classroom. Double-check the location with a compass. · Understand cardinal directions · Practice using maps · Learn how to use a compass · Use a GPS unit and understand latitude/longitude coordinates · Data-collection form · Field guides or animal fact sheets · Compass · Compass wheel · Different maps · Field journals (bound scientific notebooks) · A 4-foot square piece of colored paper · Transparent tape · Note cards · Globe · GPS unit
 * Teaching Directions, Maps, and Coordinates **
 * Directions and Maps **
 * Part 1: Directions **
 * Objectives **
 * Materials **