FACTS

• According to the National Park Service Annual Search and Rescue Report 6338 search and rescue incidents occurred in National Forests in 1998.

• One hundred and thirty-eight of these incidents were fatal.

• Another 4595 involved injuries.

Orienteering

Ms. Miller

6th Grade PE Classes

What is Orienteering?

• Orienteering is a sport that requires the participants to navigate with a compass and map through unknown terrain with the purpose of finding certain checkpoints.

• It was originally designed for military purposes in Scandinavia.

• In 1919, the modern version of orienteering was born in Sweden as a competitive sport.

• It can be enjoyed as a walk in the woods or as a competitive sport.

Cardinal Directions

• Cardinal Directions– North– South – East – West

The Compass

• Definition– A compass is a navigational instrument for finding

directions.

• Parts of the Compass– Orienting Arrow– Direction of Travel Arrow (DTA)– Compass Housing with Degree Dial– Magnetic Needle– North Sign

Pace Factor

• Definition– Is an easy way to measure distances without a

measuring device.

• How to do it– Start with you left foot then follow with your right. That

is equal to one pace.

• Important– Make sure to use your normal walking stride.

Compass Activity #1

1. Hold compass level in your hand in front of your stomach.

2. Make sure the DTA is pointing straight out from the midline of the body.

3. Turn the dial until north lines up with the DTA.

4. Turn yourself and the compass until the red needle lines up with the orienting arrow.

5. You are not facing magnetic north.

Compass Activity #2

• Bearings – 50 paces at 40 degrees NE

• How to do it– 1. Turn degree dial to 40 degrees NE

– 2. Turn body and compass until the red needle lines up with the orienting arrow.

– 3. Take 50 paces with in the direction of the DTA making sure to keep the red needle and the orienting arrow lined up.

Compass Activity #3

• Partner Quiz– With a partner draw a compass and label the

six parts discussed in the lesson.

– What is Pace Factor?

Lesson Review

• List some things you learned today.