Mapping Our Playground

In groups, students walk the playground, measure it by pacing, and draw a simple map of its fixed features. Then another group uses that map to find hidden cones, testing whether the map really works. It builds spatial representation and orienteering skills.

How to play

1. Form 6 groups of 4 or 5 and give each one a sheet of chart paper and markers; explain what a bird's-eye map is using a quick sketch (3 min).
2. Each group walks the playground, pacing off the length and width of the court and locating goals, trees, benches, and doors (8 min).
3. Back at the meeting spot, the group draws the map with a symbol key and an arrow pointing to the main entrance (7 min).
4. While drawing, each group hides 3 cones of its color around the playground and marks them with an X on its map.
5. Groups swap maps: each must find the 3 cones using only the map they received and bring them back to the meeting spot (8 min).
6. Wrap up with a 4-minute review: which maps led to the cones quickly, and what the others were missing.

Rules

• Everyone in the group helps measure and draw; split up the jobs and rotate them.
• Hide cones where they can be seen from the ground, never up high, in trash cans, or in locked areas.
• During the search, walk or jog and always look ahead to avoid collisions.
• Use only the map; no asking the group that drew it where the cones are.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student can be the lead mapmaker and direct the measuring from a fixed spot with a good view.
• Visual impairment: use thick, high-contrast markers and let the student explore features by touch with a partner during measuring.
• Fitness level: high-energy groups can hide their cones in the farthest area to add more travel.

Learning goals

• Represent the playground on a simple map with a key.
• Use a map made by others to locate objects.
• Recognize accuracy as what makes a map useful.

Equipment for a class of 25

• chart paper: 6
• markers: 24
• colored cones: 18

Teacher tip

Many groups draw features from the side; reinforce the bird's-eye view by showing what a table looks like from above. Save the best maps to reuse in future orienteering lessons.

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