Compass Triangle Challenge
A classic compass drill: in pairs, students walk a triangle of three bearings 120 degrees apart, using the same number of paces on each side, to get back to the starting point. How far they finish from the start shows how accurately they take and follow a bearing.
How to play
- Review the compass (3 min): turn the dial to the number, hold it flat at chest height, and turn your body until the red needle sits inside the orienting arrow ("red in the shed").
- Practice (4 min): each pair reads the bearing to a distant cone and checks it with their partner; then call out two bearings and have them point where each goes.
- First triangle (5 min): each pair sets a start cone 10 yards from others. Using the card (for example 40°, 160°, and 280°), one partner walks 20 paces per side while the other watches.
- At the end, count paces back to the cone: 0–2 paces, 3 points; 3–4, 2 points; more, 1 point. Switch roles.
- Second triangle (8 min): with a new starting bearing, the pair adds 120° and 240° to get the other two, walks it with 30 paces per side, and discusses what threw them off.
Rules
- Always hold the compass flat and away from phones, keys, or metal goals.
- Count double paces (every time the same foot lands) at a normal walking pace.
- Safety: glance at the ground as you walk and never cross through areas where other pairs are working.
Variations
Easier
Walk the triangle with 10 paces per side and easy bearings such as 0°, 120°, and 240°.
Standard
Walk a triangle of 20 to 30 paces per side using the bearings on the card and score by how close you finish.
Harder
Walk a four-bearing square or a 40-pace triangle with an obstacle that must be bypassed without losing the bearing.
Adaptations
- Wheelchair users: complete the triangle on firm ground, counting pushes.
- Visual impairments: use a large-dial compass while a partner describes the needle using clock directions.
- Students who master it check other pairs; students who struggle do a single out-and-back bearing.
Learning goals
- Take and follow a compass bearing accurately.
- Calculate bearings by adding degrees and measure distance by pacing.
- Evaluate their own error and suggest how to correct it.
Equipment for a class of 25
- compasses: 13
- cones: 13
- cards: 13
Teacher tip
The most common mistake is turning the dial while turning the body; have students pin it with their thumb. Space pairs well apart so they don't just follow each other.
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