Orienteering Race with a Real School Map

Partner orienteering race using a real map of the school, where pairs find 10–15 control markers and mark a control card. Students practice map reading, route decisions and teamwork.

How to play

1. Review map reading: orient the map using school landmarks, the legend, the scale and control symbols (6 min).
2. Form 12–13 pairs and give each a map and a control card; pairs start in waves every 30 seconds (4 min).
3. Each pair moves around campus looking for the 10–15 controls marked on the map and records each control's code or punch on the card.
4. Control order is free or fixed depending on the variation; the time limit is 20 minutes (20 min).
5. At the finish, the teacher records the time and checks the card; each missing control adds a 2-minute penalty.
6. Route analysis: each pair draws its route on the map and compares it with other pairs (10 min).

Rules

• Partners always stay together; no splitting up to find controls.
• Stay on school grounds and out of areas marked off-limits.
• Don't move or hide the controls.
• Safety: walk on stairs and in hallways, and return to the finish when you hear the end signal.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: accessible route marked on the map with no stairs and the same map-reading tasks.
• Autism or anxiety: enlarged map, fixed order and a trusted partner.
• Skill or fitness level: mixed-ability pairs and the option to walk the course.

Learning goals

• Read a real map and orient it using landmarks.
• Make decisions about the most efficient route.
• Cooperate with a partner during the course.

Equipment for a class of 25

• school maps: 13
• control markers: 15
• control cards: 13

Teacher tip

Place the controls before class and take a photo of each one so you can check them later. Let the rest of the school know the schedule and the areas you'll be using.

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