Curated OER
Navigation Across the Seas
Young scholars examine nautical navigation and discover the differences between nautical charts and other types of maps or charts. Students practice setting a course, taking a bearing, and dead reckoning. This gives young scholars an...
Curated OER
Blazing the Trail
Learning about proportions through measuring and mapping distances is the focus of this real-world math lesson that doubles as an activity. Mathematicians complete a course designed to measure and map locations in order to put the...
Curated OER
Red October
Fourth graders follow directions given in bearings. They invent their own maps using them and use a protractor to help them with their designs. Students
produce their own maps with instructions for navigating the maps. The channels...
Curated OER
The Earth's Magnetic Field
Students explain how the earth's magnetic field works and looks. They create
their own free-floating compass using the everyday materials. After constructing their compass, they test it and determine north.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Topo Triangulation
In this activity, students will learn how to read a topographical map and how to triangulate with just a map. True triangulation requires both a map and compass, but to simplify the activity and make it possible indoors, the compass...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Topo Map Mania!
Maps are designed to allow people to travel to a new location without a guide to show the way. They tell us information about areas to which we may or may not have ever been. There are many types of maps available for both recreational...
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...
American Geosciences Institute
American Geosciences Institute: Earth Science Week: Find Your Bearing: Mapping
In this exercise, students use compasses to make a map of the school's campus.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Classroom Triangles
In this activity, students will use bearing measurements to triangulate and determine objects' locations. Working in teams of two or three, students must put on their investigative hats as they take bearing measurements to specified...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Getting to the Point
In this lesson plan, students learn how to determine location by triangulation. We describe the process of triangulation and practice finding your location on a worksheet, in the classroom, and outdoors.