Compass Directions!

Teaching Ideas

Learning Objective: To understand how to read directions on maps using the points of a compass.

Success Criteria: • To recognise the purpose of a compass.

• To identify the eight points of the compass.

• To use the points of the compass to provide directions.

Context: This is the second lesson in the KS3 Map Work unit. This lesson explores the purpose of a compass
and how to read directions on maps.

Starter
What Is This?
Ask students to study the photo of a compass and to discuss in pairs what they think it is. Ask them to think about: what it
is used for, when it might be used, who would use it, where it might be used and why it would be used. Most students should
identify a compass and be able to explain that it is used to follow directions. Some students might have used a compass for Scouts,
orienteering etc.

Main Activities
How Does a Compass Work?
Outline how a compass works. Within a compass there is a free floating magnetic needle which always points to the top of the earth’s
magnetic field, the north pole. By rotating the compass until the arrow lines up with N on the dial, the compass can then be used to
give directions.

What Are the Points of the Compass?

Explain that there are four main points of the compass known as cardinal points. These are north, east, south and west. Ask the
students if they know any rhymes to help them remember the points of the compass. Most will have heard of ‘naughty elephants
squirt water’! Explain that the cardinal points can be further divided into eight and then sixteen points of the compass.

Explain that students have one minute to memorise the 16 points of the compass before trying to recall them. Students should
then complete the Compass Activity Sheet.

Maptown Zoo
Show students the map of Maptown Zoo. Explain that all maps should have a north arrow and this usually points to the top of the
map. Practise using directions as a class before students complete the Maptown Zoo Activity Sheet individually.

Plenary
Escape from Maptown Zoo!
Students should complete the activity sheet Escape from Maptown Zoo! Students have to read the clues to identify which animal
should be in which square.

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