Maps and Symbols

Overview

This is Lesson 2 of 6 in the unit "Orienteering Adventures Unleashed" designed for third-year students aged 12-13. The lesson focuses on building foundational map literacy through exploring different types of maps, understanding orienteering symbols, and applying this knowledge in an interactive activity using picture cards. This lesson aligns closely with the Irish Curriculum Framework for Physical Education, particularly targeting Strand 3: Adventure and Orienteering competencies for this stage.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

• Recognise and describe the purpose of various map types used in orienteering (Local, Topographical, Orienteering maps). (Linked to Strand 3: Leaving No Trace, Standard: Map Skills and Navigation)
• Identify and explain common orienteering map symbols and their meanings. (Strand 3 – Competency: Using Map Symbols)
• Match key orienteering symbols to their corresponding features on maps and picture cards accurately.
• Demonstrate teamwork and communication skills whilst collaborating on matching activities. (Strand 1: Personal and Social Competencies)

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Curriculum Links

• Physical Education Strand 3: Adventure and Orienteering
  • Explore safe and adventurous environments with a map and compass.
  • Develop understanding of map scale, symbols, and orientation.
• Strand 1: Personal and Social
  • Cooperation and working effectively in groups.
• Cross-curricular links
  • Geography: Understanding spatial awareness and map reading.
  • Visual Literacy: Interpreting symbols and images.

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Equipment & Resources

• Large printed orienteering maps (local/topographical/orienteering maps) – 6 copies
• Laminated picture cards with orienteering symbols and corresponding feature images (60 cards total; 2 sets of 30)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Sticky notes
• Compass (for demonstration, optional)
• Projector or screen for map symbol presentation
• Stopwatch or timer
• Table space for small group work

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Timing and Lesson Structure (80 mins)

1. Introduction (10 mins)

• Welcome and brief recap of Lesson 1.
• Introduce the lesson’s focus: Understanding maps and the symbols used in orienteering.
• Show various types of maps: Local, Topographical, Orienteering.
• Explain the importance of maps in adventures and orienteering.

Teaching Tip: Use a real orienteering map if possible, highlighting key differences from a standard street map.

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2. Exploring Map Symbols (15 mins)

• Present common orienteering symbols via projector or printed display.
  • Symbols to cover include: Control points, water features (lakes/rivers), forested areas, paths/trails, cliffs, hills.
• Explain each symbol’s meaning with visual examples.
• Interactive Q&A: Students guess the meaning before explanation.

IE Curriculum Skill Focus: Visual literacy and symbol comprehension.

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3. Guided Group Activity: Match It Out (30 mins)

Setup:

• Divide class into 6 groups of 5.
• Each group receives a set of laminated symbol cards and picture cards showing real-world features relating to symbols.

Activity:

• Students collaboratively match each orienteering symbol to the correct picture card.
• Groups must explain their reasoning aloud.
• Rotate sets after 15 minutes to allow exposure to all symbols and pictures.

Learning Outcome: Students apply comprehension in a cooperative setting, reinforcing teamwork and communication skills.

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4. Practical Mapping Exercise (15 mins)

• Provide groups with enlarged printed orienteering maps.
• Task: Identify and place sticky notes on key mapped symbols they just matched (e.g., ‘water feature here’, ‘trail here’).
• Groups share brief feedback explaining their choices.

Assessment Opportunity: Observe students’ ability to recognise symbols in context.

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5. Conclusion and Reflection (10 mins)

• Recap key learning points, emphasising how maps and symbols are essential for safe navigation.
• Discuss how these skills connect to real-life adventure and physical activity.
• Exit ticket: On a sticky note, students write one symbol they found interesting and why.
• Collect for formative assessment.

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Assessment and Evaluation

• Formative Assessment:
  • Observation during the "Match It Out" activity and practical mapping exercise of students’ ability to identify and explain symbols.
  • Exit ticket responses to gauge individual understanding.
• Self-assessment:
  • Verbal reflection during group sharing.
• Peer assessment:
  • Group discussions and explanations provide peer learning and correction opportunities.

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Differentiation

• For students needing support:
  • Provide paired work within groups.
  • Use simpler symbols and provide extra visual aids.
• For higher-achieving students:
  • Challenge with map scale questions and compass orientation discussion.
  • Encourage creating their own symbol using simple drawing.

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Teacher’s Notes

• Encourage enthusiasm by linking to real-world orienteering events (e.g., local orienteering clubs or school sports day).
• Maintain active circulation to facilitate group discussions and provide timely feedback.
• Emphasise safety in future orienteering lessons when navigating outdoors.
• Suggest follow-up homework: sketch a simple map of their route to school using symbols learned.

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End of Lesson 2

This lesson ensures engaging multi-sensory learning, balanced between knowledge acquisition and social collaboration, foundational for advancing in the broader orienteering unit.