Alphanumeric Grid

An alphanumeric grid (also known as an atlas grid) is a simple coordinate system

on a grid in which each cell (or square) is identified by a combination of a letter

and a number. Each letter-number combination allows the map to be subdivided

into many little squares (or boxes). This alphanumeric grid system helps

geographers quickly locate a specific position or feature on a map.

Example: A person is looking for Regina, Saskatchewan on a map of Canada.

This person has no prior knowledge of where Regina is located. It might take

this individual a significant amount of time to scan the entire map looking for

Regina (Figure 1). However, if an alphanumeric grid system is used to subdivide

the map into smaller squares (Figure 2), and the individual is told what the

alphanumeric grid location of Regina is (E3), then their task becomes much

easier

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Figure 1 Figure 2

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Activity – The board game “Battleship” by Milton Bradley uses the alphanumeric grid system to simulate a submarine naval battle. We are going to use what we have learned about alphanumeric grid systems to play our own version of “Battleship”

Goal: To sink all of your opponent's ships by correctly guessing their alphanumeric location.

Setup: Each player will have two separate alphanumeric grids on their paper (below). One grid is to be used to position your battleships (Grid A), the other grid is to be used to mark where you have attempted to sink your opponents battleships (Grid B).

Before the game begins, each player is to secretly position their ships on their alphanumeric grid (Grid A). Players will position 5 ships in total. The ships you need to position are as follows; one 2 square ship, two 3 square ships, one 4 square ship, and one 5 square ship. Each ship must be placed horizontally or vertically (not diagonally) across grid spaces, and can't hang over the grid. Ships can touch each other, but can't both be on the same space.

Play: Players take turns firing a shot to attack enemy ships.

On your turn, call out a letter and a number of a row and column on the grid. Your opponent checks that space on their lower grid, and says "miss" if there are no ships there, or "hit" if you guessed a space that contained a ship. When every square of your ship has been hit you must announce to your opponent that they have sunk your battleship

Remember to keep track of your own ships and how many of them have been hit (Grid A), as well your guesses and if you have hit or missed your opponents ships (Grid B).

Victory: The first player to sink all opposing ships wins.

 

 

Grid A Grid B

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