Memory Orienteering Challenge
The map stays on a central table, and pairs must memorize where two or three controls are before heading out to find them without it. It develops spatial memory, quick map reading, and route planning.
How to play
- Before class, set out 15 coded controls around the field or gym and leave 3 copies of the map showing all numbered controls on a central table.
- Form pairs, give each a control card, and explain that the map never leaves the table (2 min).
- Each pair studies the map for no more than 30 seconds, memorizes the location of 2 controls on its list, and heads out to find them.
- Pairs write down the code at each control they find; if they forget where one is, they must go back to the table and look again.
- In a second phase, pairs try to memorize 3 controls per visit to save trips (8 min).
- The pair that completes its list of 8 controls with the fewest trips to the table wins; finish with 3 minutes for sharing memory tricks.
Rules
- No carrying, photographing, or sketching the map on the card.
- Only two pairs at a time per map copy; others wait behind them.
- Run in open areas and slow down near controls, where other pairs may be.
- Mark each trip to the table with a tally on the card to keep count.
Variations
Easier
Allow 45 seconds per look and let pairs memorize just one control at a time.
Standard
Each look lasts 30 seconds and pairs try to memorize 2, then 3 controls.
Harder
Cut the look to 20 seconds and ask pairs to memorize 4 controls in the shortest possible order.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: put the map table near that student's controls and let the partner do the traveling while the student memorizes and directs.
- Autism: provide a written list of the student's controls in order and a quiet spot next to the table to focus.
- Fitness level: fitter pairs can be assigned controls at the far ends of the field to add running.
Learning goals
- Retain and recall spatial information from a map.
- Plan efficient routes between several points.
- Cooperate with a partner by sharing the memory load.
Equipment for a class of 25
- maps: 3
- controls: 15
- control cards: 13
- pencils: 13
Teacher tip
Encourage pairs to split the memory work: one remembers the first control, the other the second. If lines form at the table, add a fourth map copy.
PatioLab has "Memory Orienteering Challenge" and 1299 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More activities like this
More main activities for Elementary
3v3 Mini-Volleyball with Set Passes
Small-sided 3v3 mini-volleyball on small courts, with a bonus for building the play with a set.
4v3 Soccer Counterattack Game
Four attackers try to score on a goal guarded by three defenders, who counterattack toward two small cone goals if they win the ball.
Accuracy Circuit with Cloth Targets
Accuracy stations with cloth targets on the floor and on the wall, where students toss bean bags and score points by ring.
Adapted Beach Handball
An adapted beach handball game with a soft ball: no dribbling, three steps with the ball, and double points for spectacular goals such as jump or spin shots.
Adapted Gaelic Football
A school version of Irish Gaelic football that blends hands and feet: players may run with the ball, hand-pass it with a fist, and kick for goal.
Adapted Speedball
Speedball is an American invasion game that blends soccer and team handball: a ball on the ground is played with the feet, and a ball lifted by the foot into the hands…