Map Coordinates Adventure

Year Level

Year 6

Subject

Mathematics

Duration

45 minutes

Australian Curriculum Links

Level: Year 6 Mathematics
Strand: Measurement and Geometry
Sub-strand: Location and transformation

Content Descriptions:

• ACMMG143: Use a grid reference system to describe locations. Describe routes using landmarks and directional language.
• ACMMG141: Investigate combinations of translations, reflections and rotations, with and without the use of digital technologies.

---

Learning Intentions

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
✔ Use coordinates accurately to describe a location on a simple map.
✔ Plot given coordinates correctly on a map.
✔ Use directional language and a compass (North, East, South, West) to describe and follow directions.

---

Success Criteria

Students will:
✅ Accurately identify and record given coordinates on a simple map.
✅ Correctly use compass directions to describe and follow routes.
✅ Collaborate effectively with peers in a hands-on navigation activity.

---

Resources Required

• Laminated A3 grid maps with a 10x10 grid overlaid (pre-made, using familiar local settings like a school, zoo, or national park)
• Mini whiteboards and markers
• Printable compasses (or a real classroom compass if available)
• Clipboards and pencils
• Direction cards (with instructions like “Move 3 steps North”, “Plot the point at (4,6)”)
• Stickers or map markers (to indicate locations plotted)
• Teacher’s compass rose poster for class demonstration
• Optional: floor tape to create a large grid on classroom floor for an embodied learning task

---

Lesson Sequence

⏱ 0–5 mins – Tuning In (Engage)

Activity: Location Mystery Puzzle
Start by projecting a simple map grid on the board and say:
“I’ve just hidden a secret treasure at coordinate (5,3) – which part of the map is that? Can anyone point it out?”
Invite a volunteer to come up and point. Reinforce use of ‘Along the corridor (x), then up the stairs (y)’.

Preview the learning intentions and success criteria together.

---

⏱ 5–15 mins – Explicit Teaching

Key Concepts to Model:

• Reading coordinates: always X (horizontal) before Y (vertical)
• Plotting points: use grid to place a sticker or mark neatly at the correct location
• Using compass directions: “Turn and face North first!”
• Cardinal directions and how they relate to movement on a map

Demonstration
Using your poster compass rose and map grid, model how to:

1. Plot a single point (e.g., (3,7))
2. Move from one coordinate to another giving direction (e.g., “From (3,7), move 2 units East”)
   Encourage all students to follow along with their mini whiteboards.

Australian Focus: Incorporate familiar locations. For example, model a route from the “canteen” to the “oval” on the school grounds or a real location like the Sydney Zoo.

---

⏱ 15–35 mins – Guided Practice & Activity

Activity: Map Hero Navigation Challenge

Students will complete a series of challenges in pairs.

Instructions:

• Each pair receives a custom printed map and a set of 10 direction/coordinate cards
• Each card has a task (e.g. “Plot the start at (2, 5)”, then “Move 3 steps South”)
• Students must complete the trail by marking all points on their map
• Bonus challenge: create their own mystery path using coordinates and directions for another pair to solve!

Teacher Role: Circulate and coach. Use questioning such as:

• “Which direction are you facing now?”
• “What’s your coordinate if you move 2 steps West?”
  Look for students using precise mathematical and directional language.

---

⏱ 35–40 mins – Reflection and Consolidation

Re-group as a class. Use the projector to spotlight a few student maps.

Ask reflection prompts:

• “What strategies helped you stay on track?”
• “How did knowing your compass directions improve your accuracy?”

Discuss how this relates to real-life navigation (e.g. bushwalking, using Google Maps, orkoorienteering).

---

⏱ 40–45 mins – Exit Ticket

Complete an Exit Challenge Card:
Each student completes a quick 3-question mini-reflection on a sticky note or whiteboard:

1. What is the coordinate for the school oval in this map?
2. What direction is the oval from the library?
3. One new thing I learned today was…

Teacher collects responses for formative assessment.

---

Differentiation

• Support: Use maps with landmarks included; provide more scaffolded cards with visuals
• Extension: Students design their own grid maps and create a navigation quest for others using extended directions (e.g., NE, SW)
• ESL learners: Include picture cues on the direction cards; buddy with strong speakers

---

Assessment Opportunities

✔ Observations during partner activity
✔ Exit ticket responses
✔ Accuracy of plotted points and directional movement
✔ Peer-created navigation challenges (for extensions)

---

Connection to Broader Learning

This lesson supports real-world spatial thinking and enables connections to:

• Geography skills (position and place)
• Digital technology (using grids and coordinates in design and programming)
• Life applications like navigation and map reading

---

WOW Factor! 🌍✨

Make maths come alive through a real-world treasure hunt approach! Students literally move through maps with purpose, decoding coordinates and mapping routes. This interactive, teamwork-driven and context-rich session builds maths fluency with excitement and meaning.

---

Teacher Tip

For ultimate engagement, use a map of your school or community – personalise the lesson and connect with place!

---

This lesson is designed to align with the Australian Curriculum while offering students an engaging blend of geometry, navigation and logical thinking. Perfect for upper primary students who love puzzles, action and creativity!