Curated OER
State Research
Students apply previous knowledge of the United States to label a classroom map and then work independently to complete an online scavenger hunt. This lesson is intended for an upper-elementary classroom studying American History and/or...
Curated OER
Glacial Geocaching
Eighth graders measure strike and dip of given land features and explain the difference between them. They also look at rock and mineral samples for indentification, along with calculating the density. Finally, information is analyzed...
Curated OER
Chart Interpretation
Learners study the use of a nautical chart and how to obtain information from it. They describe and differentiate the basic topographic characteristics of a chart and demonstrate the use of nautical tools used to plot fixed points on a...
Mangahigh
Mangahigh: Shape: Use Compass Directions
Test your knowledge of navigating with a compass.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Project Ideas: Using Plants to Determine Direction
Don't get lost in the woods. In this plant biology science fair project, students will investigate whether the location of moss growth on trees is a good way to determine cardinal direction. The Science Buddies project ideas are set up...
Primary Resources
Primary Resources: Position and Direction
A large collection of teacher resources dealing with position and direction (coordinates and compass directions). Includes worksheets, PowerPoint presentations, games, presentations, and smartboard files.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Find Your Own Direction
In this activity, students create their own simple compass using thread, needle and water in a bowl - and learn how it works.
Online Learning Haven
Finding Your Way: How to Read a Compass
A great explanation on what a compass is and how to read one. After the explanation, a step-by-step guide to drawing your own compass is given.
Other
Learn Orienteering: How to Use a Compass
This site is an easy-to-follow guide on how to use a compass.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Topos, Compasses, and Triangles, Oh My!
In this activity, students will learn how to actually triangulate using a compass, topographical (topo) map and view of outside landmarks. It is best if a field trip to another location away from school is selected. The location should...
Other
Childu: Compass:over the Edge
Do you know what a 'compass rose' is? Follow this interactive animation to learn how to use a magnetic compass properly. Easy to understand; aimed for younger students.
NOAA
Noaa: Make Your Own Compass [Pdf]
Build a compass to help you figure out which direction is north or south.
Other
Map Zone: Compasses and Directions
Sharpen map skills by exploring these map pages. Learn about the compass rose, different norths, and how to use a compass.
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory
Magnet Academy: Early Chinese Compass 400 Bc
The first compass was used not to point people in the right direction literally, but figuratively.
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory
Magnet Academy: Oersted's Compass 1820
Compasses had been steering people in the right direction for many centuries when, in the year 1820, one particular compass made a very different sort of revelation to an unsuspecting Danish science professor.
National Geographic
National Geographic: Cardinal Directions and Maps
What are the cardinal directions and how are they used? Discover them and practice using them to find places on maps.
PurposeGames
Purpose Games: Cardinal Directions
Play this game to test your knowledge on cardinal and intermediate directions.
Sumanas
Sumanas Inc: Life: The Science of Biology: Time Compensated Solar Compass
How do birds know what direction to fly when they fly south for the winter? This tutorial explains circadian rhythm using an experiment performed with pigeons.
Utah Education Network
Uen: Expanding Map Vocabulary
First graders will be able to name the vocabulary words in Navajo, Ute, and Spanish for the cardinal directions.
Geographypods
Geographypods: Map Skills
A collection of highly engaging learning modules on various topics within mapping skills. Covers map symbols, how to use four- and six-figure grid references, cardinal directions, distance, contour mapping, and drawing cross-sections....
E-learning for Kids
E Learning for Kids: Math: Group of Pyramids: Capacity and Position
On this interactive website students practice various math skills using a real life scenario at the pyramids. Those skills include comparing capacity of three or more containers, using compass directions to describe locations, and using...
Mocomi & Anibrain Digital Technologies
Mocomi: What Is a Compass?
Provides basic information about compass points.
E-learning for Kids
E Learning for Kids: Science: Antarctica: What Is Position and Reference Point?
With all the snow and ice in Antarctica, it's easy to get lost. Help Tim find his way using a map and a compass.