Map Symbol Relay
A team relay where each runner searches a pile of cards for the map symbol their team called out and brings it back to base. Students learn the legend of an orienteering map while working on speed and decision making.
How to play
- Make 6 teams of 4 lined up behind a cone. About 20 yards away, place a face-down pile of 30 cards per team showing orienteering symbols (vegetation, fence, boulder, trail, water...).
- Spend 3 minutes on the legend colors: black for rock or buildings, blue for water, green for thick vegetation, yellow for open land, brown for landforms.
- On the whistle, the first runner sprints to the pile and flips one card: they bring it back only if it matches the symbol the team asked for; if not, they put it back face down.
- They high-five the next teammate, who goes after another symbol. The team checks every card against its legend sheet.
- The first team to collect 6 correct symbols wins the round. Play 3 rounds of about 4 minutes each.
- Final round: runners bring back a random card and the team names it without the legend; one point per correct answer.
Rules
- Flip only one card per trip and put it back face down if it does not match.
- Tag off with a high five behind the start cone.
- Stay in your own lane and look ahead on the way back to avoid collisions.
- A misidentified symbol goes back to the pile and does not score.
Variations
Easier
Use only 10 symbols with very different colors and leave the legend next to the pile.
Standard
Use 20 symbols and keep the legend only at the team's base.
Harder
Mix similar symbols (crossable vs. uncrossable fence, path vs. road) and remove the legend for every round.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student acts as the team's legend checker or covers a shorter distance with support.
- Visual impairment: use large cards with raised symbols (glued yarn, sandpaper) and have a partner describe them aloud.
- Lower fitness: shorten the distance to 10 yards or allow brisk walking.
Learning goals
- Identify the basic symbols and colors on an orienteering map.
- Connect each symbol to a real feature in the environment.
- Make quick team decisions under time pressure.
Equipment for a class of 25
- maps: 6
- cards: 180
- cones: 12
Teacher tip
Laminate one identical card set per team. To wrap up, step outside and have students point out three real features and their map symbols.
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