Why does the needle point north? What is a direction of travel arrow? What are the brown squiggly line that are close together and far apart? Why is the highway symbol red? These are just some of the questions the students have been asking as we begin our map and compass exploration. "Map and compass" is a fun and exciting way to teach all kinds of skills, including geometry, geography, reading and interpreting. The pictures you are seeing are the students learning how to follow a particular direction by using a compass. Later, during an integration period, these skills will be used in a compass "adventure course", in which the students will follow a course and then make up another course for other students. And, just in case you were wondering if all the teachers were skilled in compass use, check out the last two photos! To prepare for our integration, we had a lot of fun having a faculty compass lesson in the science room.
Rosanne, this captures the fun we had in your room, trying to figure out how to use compasses. Actually, I was the one who needed to figure it out. It seems to me that fifth graders had a much easier time than I did. I can't wait til we go outside and set up our orienteering treasure hunt!
ReplyDelete