Map Puzzle Relay
Each team starts with one piece of a playground map cut into six parts; to get the rest, teammates take turns running to the controls shown on the pieces they already have. It builds orienteering, teamwork, and endurance at a high pace.
How to play
- Before class, cut 5 copies of the playground map into 6 pieces each and number them on the back; at each control, leave the next piece of the map for every team.
- Form 5 teams of 5 behind a start cone and give each team piece number 1, which shows where the first control is (2 min).
- One runner per team sprints to that control, grabs the piece in the team's color, and runs back to the group.
- The team fits the pieces together on the ground by its cone, finds the next control on the new piece, and the next runner goes (12 min).
- When the puzzle is complete, the whole team runs together to the final control marked with a star and back; that ends the relay.
- Finish with 3 minutes looking at the complete map, with each team pointing out every place it visited.
Rules
- Each runner takes only their team's piece, marked with the team color.
- One person runs at a time and turns rotate; no one goes again until everyone has gone.
- Stay to the right in the travel lanes to avoid colliding with other runners.
- Do not fold or tear the pieces; if one is missing, tell the teacher.
Variations
Easier
Cut the map into 4 large pieces and place controls in very visible spots.
Standard
A 6-piece map with one runner per control and a final team run.
Harder
Cut the map into 8 unnumbered pieces so the team must work out how they fit.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student can be the puzzle builder and route planner, or run to the closest control.
- Visual impairment: use large pieces with raised edges and high-contrast colors.
- Fitness level: assign the farthest controls to students looking for a challenge and the closest ones to those who need to pace themselves.
Learning goals
- Read map fragments to locate points on the playground.
- Work as a team to rebuild a map of the space.
- Sustain intermittent high-intensity effort.
Equipment for a class of 25
- maps: 5
- controls: 6
- cones: 5
Teacher tip
Give each team a color and write it on every piece to avoid mix-ups at the controls. Laminate the pieces if you want to reuse the game.
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