Orienteering
by
Jason Askegreen
Introduction
Orienteering tasks are used everyday by everyone. Having to find your way around the campus to different classrooms and lunch areas require navigation and sense of direction. More specifically, orienteering is the process of using a compass, a map and running from marker to marker to complete a course. This sport is well known around the world and is becoming more popular in America.
The Task
In this week-long lesson you will learn the components of orienteering, design your own map and compete in races. The finished products will be:
- an understanding of how to use a compass
- an understanding of how to read a contour map
- an appreciation for the explorer's and their skills in orienteering
Resources
The primary resource for calculating your diet analysis is a nutrition software program. For your second task, you will be using the Internet to find information on the explorer's diets.
The Process
- Day One: Class discussion- How to use a compass and a contour map. Discussion of orienteering protocol; using flags, punches and score cards. Groups of three- Complete the Polar Map Exercise obtaining the correct angles from the compass (instructor can determine the route using the names of major landmarks).
- Day Two: Determine the length of your stride by walking along a 50 foot measuring tape. Count the number of steps you take and divide it into 50. Groups of three to five- Map out a predetermined (by the instructor) area of the school. Each group will draw a different map which later will be consolidated into one large map.
- Day Three: Finsh making maps and consolidate into large map. Instructor will have a mock race set up so students will know what it is like to run a race.
- Day Four: Today is set aside as a fitness day. You will be running a race to the North Pole with your team! Finishing times will determine the mileage that your team aquires. Your team will calculate and keep the total mileage.
- Day Five: Groups of three- Run another race, this time on the computer. Click here to start the race.
Evaluation
For the class discussion on the first day, students will be evaluated simply on their participation and cooperation. Also, for obtaining the correct information from the Polar Map exercise.
For the second day, evaluation will be based on participation in your group. Each memeber must participate in the development of their map. On the back of the map, describe the roles that each member had.
For the third day, the mock race, evaluation is based on cooperation and participation.
The evaluation of the fourth day (which will be performed once each week of the unit) will be based on participation. Each member of the team will record the times they ran, and a total team time will be translated into mileage.
The fifth day will be evaluated based on the completion and accuracy of the orienteering race performed on the computer. Also, by listing what each student's roll was in the race, and include what grade you and your peers would give each other considering the amout of work each put into it.
Conclusion
Upon completion of this lesson, you will have a greater understanding of how to use a compass and a map. You also will be able to teach someone else how to run an orienteering race.
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