Secret Bearings Word Hunt
In groups of three, students follow a series of bearings and distances from a start cone to lettered cones; if every bearing is right, the letters spell a secret word. Students practice using a compass, pace counting and teamwork.
How to play
- Before class, place 12 cones with a letter underneath plus 4 numbered start cones. Prepare 4 route cards with 5 bearings and distances each (for example, 90°, 30 meters).
- Spend 4 minutes reviewing how to follow a bearing: set the dial, hold the compass flat at chest height and turn until the red needle sits in the arrow ("red in the shed").
- Form groups of three with roles: compass reader, pace counter and recorder. Each group gets a route card and starts at its start cone.
- The group follows the bearing counting paces, checks the letter under the cone they reach, puts it back and follows the next bearing.
- With all 5 letters, the group unscrambles the word and checks it at base. If correct, they get a new route and rotate roles. Each route takes about 6 minutes.
- Score 2 points for a word that is correct on the first try and 1 point if any leg had to be redone.
Rules
- Groups look only at cones on their own route and put them back exactly as they were.
- Roles rotate every route so everyone uses the compass.
- Walk or jog; never move backward or stare at the compass when passing other groups.
- Wear the compass by its lanyard around your neck or wrist.
Variations
Easier
Use only the four cardinal directions (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) and mark distances with extra cones.
Standard
Use bearings in steps of 10° and distances of 20 to 40 meters counted in paces.
Harder
Add back bearings (add or subtract 180°) and place a decoy letter near each correct cone.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student holds the compass and directs teammates on routes over firm ground.
- Hearing impairment: teach the technique with a visual demonstration and post a poster with illustrated steps.
- Higher fitness: jog every leg and add a longer sixth leg.
Learning goals
- Set and follow a compass bearing accurately.
- Combine bearing and pace count to reach a specific point.
- Share roles and double-check work as a team.
Equipment for a class of 25
- compasses: 9
- cones: 16
- cards: 16
Teacher tip
Keep routes away from soccer goals, metal fences and phones, which pull the needle. Use outdoor words (FOREST, SUMMIT) so mistakes show up right away.
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