Compass Bearing and Pace Count Course
In pairs, students figure out their pace count, learn to follow a compass bearing and run a course with legs given only in degrees and distances to find lettered cones. They work on precise navigation, estimating distance and teamwork.
How to play
- Pace calibration: each student walks a 30-yard stretch measured with a tape 3 times, counting double steps, and works out how many they take in 10 yards. 5 minutes.
- Teach how to set and follow a bearing: turn the bezel to the given degrees, put the needle on north and walk toward a landmark in that direction. 5 minutes.
- Form pairs; each gets a card with 5 legs (for example, 60 degrees for 40 yards; 150 degrees for 25 yards) starting from a different starting cone.
- Pairs walk the legs: one follows the bearing and the other counts paces; at the end of each leg they look for a cone with a letter and write it down. 10 minutes.
- The letters spell a word; if it makes no sense, the pair checks which leg went off course. Each correct word earns a point.
- Spend 5 minutes discussing common mistakes: reading the compass near metal objects or not sighting a landmark.
Rules
- Walk or jog; never run while staring at the compass.
- Compasses are worn on a lanyard or held, never thrown.
- Partners swap bearing and pace-count roles every leg.
Variations
Easier
Use bearings of 0, 90, 180 and 270 degrees and short 20-yard legs.
Standard
Five legs with varied bearings and distances of 20 to 50 yards.
Harder
Add an obstacle detour leg where students must work out a back bearing.
Adaptations
- For a student in a wheelchair, calibrate distance by wheel pushes and choose legs on firm ground.
- For students with attention difficulties, cut the card into separate legs and hand them out one at a time.
- Students with lower fitness can walk the course, since accuracy counts more than speed.
Learning goals
- Follow a set compass bearing accurately.
- Estimate distance using a calibrated pace count.
- Spot and fix navigation errors with a partner.
Equipment for a class of 25
- compasses: 13
- cones: 30
- cards: 13
- measuring tape: 1
Teacher tip
Place the finish cones yourself with a compass before class and test one full course. Avoid areas near metal goals or fences, which throw off the needle.
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