Sports Nutrition Myth-Busting Orienteering

Score orienteering around campus: each control hides a sports nutrition statement (supplements, protein, hydration, fasting) that partners label as myth or fact. It builds map reading, endurance, and critical thinking.

How to play

1. Before class, place 16 controls with a code and a card, such as "I need protein shakes to build muscle." Each pair gets a map and an answer sheet (3 min).
2. Scoring: nearby controls are 1 point, far ones 2. Pairs have 15 minutes to visit any they want, in any order, always together.
3. At each control, they mark myth or fact and write down the code as proof.
4. Pairs lose 1 point for every 30 seconds late, which forces them to plan a route and pace themselves.
5. Class review (7 min): only correct answers count; discuss the most debated ones, like supplements, energy drinks, or training without breakfast.

Rules

• Partners always stay together and inside the map boundaries.
• Do not move or hide controls.
• Safety: walk in hallways and on stairs, and anyone lost returns to the start by a known route.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: accessible controls with no stairs; the partner runs to hard-to-reach ones while the student navigates.
• Visual impairment: an enlarged map with tape outlines, and the partner reads statements aloud.
• Fitness level: 3 extra minutes with no penalty for less fit pairs.

Learning goals

• Navigate with a map and plan an efficient route.
• Tell sports nutrition myths from evidence-based information.
• Pace effort in a timed challenge.

Equipment for a class of 25

• maps: 13
• controls: 16
• cards: 16
• pens: 13

Teacher tip

Choose statements teens actually see on social media so the discussion feels relevant. Make sure no control is near classes in session.

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