Orienteering Memory: Matching Pairs at the Controls

Each of 16 numbered controls hides a picture, and teams figure out which controls make a pair by taking turns going to look. It's giant Memory where your memory leans on the map.

How to play

1. Explanation: teams of 4 or 5, one map per team with numbered controls; each trip goes to two controls the team chooses (4 min).
2. Game 1: the runner looks at the two pictures, comes back, and the team notes them on the map; then the next runner goes (12 min).
3. Claims: each team tells the teacher its pairs ("3 and 11"); every correct pair is a point (4 min).
4. Game 2 with new pictures and one more rule: nothing written down, everything remembered on the map (8 min).
5. Wrap-up: what memory trick did each team use (2 min).

Rules

• Look at the cards without taking them or flipping them for other teams.
• One runner per team at a time; the next waits until they return.
• Wrong claim: the team's next trip is walked.
• Walk near the controls.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: act as the team's memory with the map and go to the accessible controls.
• Students with memory difficulties: may draw on the map throughout.
• Students with low vision: large high-contrast pictures and trips with a partner.

Learning goals

• Use the map to support memory.
• Move accurately to specific controls.
• Cooperate and share information within the team.

Equipment for a class of 25

• orienteering markers: 16
• picture cards: 32
• schoolyard maps: 6
• pencils: 6

Teacher tip

Clip each picture to the marker inside a plastic sleeve so it doesn't blow away. Bring a second set of pictures for game 2 and swap them while teams make their claims.

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