Lesson Plan: Field to map Time: 1-2 hours Instructor:

Aaron Stokes
Motivational Strategy: All outdoor leaders need to know how to use a map a compass.

Learning Outcomes: All participants will be able to name the parts of compass and orientate a map.
75% of all participants will be able to demonstrate that they have a general understanding on how
navigate using land features. 75% of participants will be able to demonstrate proper declination use.


Actives / Instruction:
What will the instructor do?

Introduction to the compass and its
parts, talk about functions.





Intro to orientating a map. And its
importance.





Intro to declination.


What will the participants do?

Have the class sit in a semi-circle so that I
can make sure there is eye contact.
Instructor will name and label the parts
of the compass and show them to the
class, then the students will have to tell
the instructor what is what on the
compass.
Participants will be put in groups of two
after a show of hands are made to see
where everyones skills are. Those that
feel confident will be paired up with
those who are not. They will then
demonstrate how to orientate a map.
Students will be asked to take Barings to
known locations and convert the degrees
by subtracting the declination.


Brief Description of Activity: Bring the class together; give a simple class on the parts of a compass,
orientating a map, and how to use declination.
Time requirements: the class should take no longer than two hours; this is based on skill levels of
participants and the willingness of students to help out others when they feel they understand the
information.
Compass identification- 10 to 15 minutes
Orientating a map- 10 to 20 minutes
Field to map- 1 hour to 1.5 hours
Resources (gear, etc.) Everyone should have their own compass and map
of the area. Preferred map 7.5 minute

Preparation: 30 minutes before the schedule class time, I will shoot a few bearings and write down the
information for a few places I want the students to find. Go over notes, and find a suitable place for the
class to take place.

Safety considerations: class will take place in the snow, so Hypothermia, frost bite & frost nip,
dehydration, staying dry and warm.

Learning Outcomes: All participants will be able to name the parts of compass and orientate a map.
75% of all participants will be able to demonstrate that they have a general understanding on how
navigate using land features. 75% of participants will be able to demonstrate proper declination use.

Step-by-step Procedures:
1. Ask participants to get their maps and compass, also to get something to write with for notes.
Remind them they might be sitting a bit so to grab their butt pads.

2. Form the group up in the cooking area, should be big enough for the class to sit in a half circle.

3. After class has gotten comfortable have them pull out their compass, and ask if anyone can
name the parts of the compass. Then do so. Taking time for questions if need be.

4. After I feel they can describe the compass parts, I will ask who feels strong in their map skills,
then put the group into pairs of two for the next part. One strong with one weak.

5. I will demonstrate how to orientate a map, and then ask the class to do the same.

6. Give instruction on how to use the declination when taking after getting a bearing to a land
feature, I will do this a few times and ask the groups to remain quite tell everyone has it. Re-
apply over and over with reparation.

7. Have class demonstrate all of the things gone over in time block, making time for everyones
questions.

Im hopping by the end of this instruction that I should be able to go up to any class member and ask
them to shoot a bearing and tell me the correct direction to follow on the map to get there by using
proper declenation.