Plan
Week 1
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Activities
Introduction to Orienteering - Students are introduced to the project, exploring the essential questions related to navigation and orienteering. They engage in a discussion about historical navigation methods and the role of compass skills. (20 min)
Compass Skills Workshop - Students participate in a hands-on session to learn how to use a compass, practicing finding directions and understanding degrees. This activity builds foundational skills for the project. (30 min)
Compass Navigation Challenge - Students complete a series of navigation tasks around the school using compasses, aimed at reinforcing their skills through practical application. (25 min)
Reflection and Feedback Session - Students reflect on the day's activities, discussing challenges faced and sharing feedback with peers. This encourages self-directed learning and prepares them for the upcoming project phases. (25 min)
Mapping Techniques Introduction - Students learn basic paper-based mapping techniques, including creating a simple map of the school campus. This activity aligns with the standards for spatial pattern representation. (20 min)
Designing an Orienteering Course - In small groups, students begin brainstorming ideas for their orienteering course, considering potential stops and challenges. They discuss key elements of successful course design. (30 min)
Deliverables
1. Students will complete a hands-on compass navigation exercise, demonstrating the ability to identify and reach specific points on campus.
2. Each student will create a personal reflection journal entry discussing their initial experiences with compass navigation and their thoughts on traditional navigation methods.
3. Students will collaborate to draft an initial concept map for their orienteering course, identifying potential stops and challenges.
4. A group discussion summary highlighting the key elements of an effective orienteering course based on student insights.
Preparation 1. Gather compasses for student use and ensure they are functioning properly.
2. Prepare printed maps of the school campus for initial navigation practice.
3. Set up stations around campus with markers for 'Skills in Action' day.
4. Organize wood-burning tools and safety equipment for future use.
5. Coordinate with school staff to ensure access to various parts of campus for navigation activities.
6. Prepare reflective journals for students to document their learning and insights.
Week 2
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Activities
Advanced Compass Skills Practice - Students further refine their compass skills by completing a series of more challenging navigation tasks around the school, focusing on accuracy and speed. (25 min)
Collaborative Mapping Session - In teams, students begin creating detailed maps of the orienteering course, incorporating spatial patterns and environmental features. This activity aligns with standards for spatial representation. (25 min)
Course Design Workshop - Students work in groups to finalize the design of their orienteering course, selecting ten strategic stops and defining challenges at each location. They consider the key elements of successful course design. (30 min)
Wood Burning Practice - Students learn wood burning techniques to craft plaques for each course stop, practicing on sample pieces to ensure precision and safety. (20 min)
Mapping Refinement and Finalization - Students refine and complete their course maps, ensuring accuracy and clarity. They review and incorporate peer feedback for improvement. (25 min)
Plaque Creation - Students begin wood burning the finalized paces and compass degrees onto the plaques for each stop of the orienteering course. (25 min)
Deliverables
1. Paper-based draft maps of the proposed orienteering course designed by each team.
2. Wood plaques with burned directions (paces and degrees) for each stop along the course.
3. Feedback documents highlighting key suggestions from peer review sessions.
4. Practice wood burning pieces demonstrating students' grasp of technique and safety.
Preparation 1. Gather materials for wood burning, including wood plaques, safety equipment, and burning tools.
2. Provide compasses and rulers for accurate map drafting.
3. Ensure access to campus maps and satellite images for reference in course planning.
4. Prepare guidelines and safety instructions for wood burning activities.
5. Organize spaces for group work where students can brainstorm, draft maps, and burn wood.
Week 3
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Activities
Final Plaque Creation and Installation - Students complete the wood burning of directions on the plaques and begin installing them at designated course stops around the campus. (20 min)
Course Walkthrough and Testing - Students conduct a walkthrough of the orienteering course to ensure each stop is clear and the directions are accurate. They make note of any adjustments needed. (30 min)
Video Presentation Development - Students work in groups to outline and script their video presentation, highlighting their course design process, challenges faced, and how they used compass skills. (20 min)
Video Filming and Editing - Students begin filming their presentations and editing the footage to create a cohesive and engaging final video. (30 min)
Orienteering Open Day Preparation - Students finalize preparations for the exhibition, setting up the course and making sure all materials are ready for participants. (20 min)
Orienteering Open Day - Students host the exhibition, guiding parents and community members through the course. They demonstrate their navigation skills, share their video presentations, and engage with participants to discuss their learning experiences. (30 min)
Deliverables
1. Completed orienteering course, fully mapped and marked with wood plaques.
2. Finalized video presentation showcasing the course design and process.
3. Successful execution of the 'Orienteering Open Day,' with engagement from community members.
4. Collective feedback from participants and personal reflections from students.
Preparation 1. Ensure all wood burning tools and materials are available and safe for students to use.
2. Set up a space for video recording, including necessary equipment like cameras or smartphones.
3. Prepare a schedule for the 'Orienteering Open Day,' including time slots for each group to guide participants.
4. Arrange for any additional volunteers or staff needed to assist during the open day.
5. Provide reflection sheets for participants to give feedback after completing the course.