No-North Map: Set It by the Terrain
In pairs, students get a school map with no north arrow and no text and have to set it by matching ground features before heading to each control. They practice setting the map by landmarks, a basic skill for not getting lost.
How to play
- Prep school maps with no north arrow, no labels, and trimmed square so there are no clues about which way is up.
- Pair students up and take them to a known first spot; in 2 minutes, they must turn the map until the buildings and lines match what they see.
- Check each set map and explain the rule: whatever is in front of me on the ground must be in front of me on the map.
- Give each pair the 6-control course; before heading to each control, they set the map and point toward it.
- They run the course in about 12 minutes, recording codes; at each control they set the map again before moving on.
- In the final 4 minutes, back in the middle of the playground, the teacher points to features and pairs find them on their set map.
Rules
- Turn the map, not your body, until it matches the ground, and keep it set as you move.
- Before heading to each control, partners must agree on the direction.
- Safety: run in open areas of the playground and walk in hallways and doorways.
Variations
Easier
Leave one very large feature labeled on the map, such as the main building.
Standard
Map with no north or labels and six controls.
Harder
Hand out the map upside down, and at every control ask the pair which way north is.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student sets the map at each spot and covers the accessible legs.
- Visual impairment: use an enlarged map with raised outlines on the main buildings so it can be set by touch.
- Fitness level: offer short legs close to the center for students who need more breaks.
Learning goals
- Set the map by matching its features to the ground.
- Keep the map set while moving.
- Find the direction of a control from the set map.
Equipment for a class of 25
- maps: 13
- control markers: 6
- code cards: 6
Teacher tip
Many students always read the map with the text facing up; this challenge makes them truly set it. If a pair gets stuck, have them find two big features and line up the line between them.
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