Active Neighborhood Mapping Walk

In groups of four, students briskly walk a section of the neighborhood and log on a shared map the places that are useful for physical activity: parks, water fountains, bike lanes, stairs or courts. It encourages independent, safe use of the local community.

How to play

1. Divide a street map of the neighborhood into 6 sectors near school, each with a route of about 1.5 km (1 mi), and hand out a log sheet with categories: parks, fountains, bike lanes, courts, stairs and hazard spots.
2. Form 6 groups of 4 with one phone per group to take photos and mark locations; agree on the return time and the teacher's phone number.
3. Each group covers its sector at a brisk walk for about 18 minutes, stopping only to log each place with a photo and a short note.
4. At intersections, students follow pedestrian rules; groups also record traffic spots that are unsafe for running or biking.
5. Back at school, each group adds its findings to the class map in 4 minutes.
6. Close with 4 minutes proposing a healthy running or walking route from school using the places found.

Rules

• The group stays together and follows pedestrian traffic rules.
• Do not enter private property or photograph people.
• The teacher carries the first-aid kit and stays at a central point on the routes.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: assign a flat sector and have the group rate the accessibility of each place.
• Hearing impairment: give instructions in writing and agree on text messages with the group.
• Fitness level: fitter groups can jog the route and cover a larger sector.

Learning goals

• Identify community resources for physical activity.
• Move around the neighborhood independently and safely.
• Propose active routes that can be used outside school hours.

Equipment for a class of 25

• maps: 7
• smartphones: 6
• log sheets: 6
• first-aid kit: 1

Teacher tip

You'll need signed parent permission slips for off-campus walks; send them home well ahead. Pick sectors with few dangerous crossings and walk them yourself first.

More main activities for High School