Beginning Orienteering

Class Description:

After learning the definition and history of orienteering, students learn parts of the compass and how to set and follow a bearing. Distance measurement is taught through individual pacing and applied math skills. Students will demonstrate skills while on a course for 1 hour and 20 minutes. These skills will be applied to map work and the outdoor ethic they can help people attain in this outdoor recreation class.

Total Time: 3 hours (2 hours outdoors)
Audience: 6-20 students, 4th grade through adult
Activity level: Ridge Course: easy, Valley Course: moderate
Travel: Ridge Course: 1/2 mile, Valley Course: 1 1/2 miles
Total Uphill Travel: Ridge Course: 50 ft., Valley Course: 300 ft.

Outcomes

Upon completion of the Beginning Orienteering class, students will be able to:

Measure a distance by pacing.

Find a bearing by reading a compass, sighting an object and walking until reaching a designated point that was initially out of sight.

Explain how to use a compass, when lost in the woods, to find their way to a known spot.

Minnesota Graduation Standards

The Beginning Orienteering class will provide students with guided practice, in an authentic setting, to support the following Graduations Standards. We have chosen one to three “major focus” standards per grade level. Due to the holistic nature of environmental education, several other standards, not listed here, are addressed as well.

Task Management Skills: Teamwork, Perseverance, Resource Management, Time Management

• 6-8th Mathematics: Space, Shape, Measurement (5)
• 6-8th Decision making: Physical Education and Fitness (1,6,7)

• 4-5th Decision making: Physical Education and Fitness (1,4,5)
• 4-5th Mathematics: Space, Shape, Measurement (1,2,6)

Wolf Ridge Curriculum Concepts

• Problem solving, decision-making and risk assessment are skills which empower us to reach goals.
• Challenges provide opportunities for learning and growth.
• Human powered sports promote healthy people and environment.
• Using physical skills allows us to reach remote natural areas and gain a sense of place.
• We all have the potential for physical activity and can improve our skills with patience and practice.

Classroom Connections*

• Journal page download
• Pre-visit activities
• Post-visit activities
• Links to Orienteering information and activities on the web

*requires Wolf Ridge password