Star Orienteering: Split the Controls and Report Back

Star-format orienteering around the school grounds: each control is a there-and-back run from the team's base. Team members split up the controls and, on returning, must describe exactly what is on the marker to a teammate who writes it down; the team scores only if the description matches.

How to play

1. Explain the star format and the team sheet: 18 controls with a code and a symbol on each marker (3 min).
2. Six teams of five with marked bases; each team splits the controls among its members based on distance and each person's pace (4 min).
3. Race: each runner heads out with the map to a control, memorizes the code and symbol, and returns to base to dictate them to the recorder, then heads out to the next control; the recorder switches every five minutes so everyone runs and records (15 min).
4. Check against the answer key: each correctly described control earns a point and each error loses half a point (4 min).
5. Analysis: teams compare how they split the controls and whether it worked well (4 min).

Rules

• Run only within the marked grounds, staying inside the areas shown on the map.
• Walk in hallways and around corners; no running.
• Do not touch or move any marker.
• Teams may not share information with each other.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: serves as the fixed recorder and the team's planning strategist, and visits the accessible controls.
• Visual impairment: runs with a guide and describes the marker by touch, using a raised design on each one.
• Low fitness: the team assigns them the nearest controls, so the result depends on smart planning.

Learning goals

• Read the map quickly and choose routes in a there-and-back format.
• Plan as a team how to split tasks based on each member's abilities.
• Pass on precise information while fatigued.

Equipment for a class of 25

• school maps: 30
• control markers: 18
• worksheets: 6
• stopwatch: 1

Teacher tip

The star format lets you keep an eye on the whole class from the bases. If space is tight, use one control for two teams with different codes.

More activities like this

More main activities for High School