targeting cross-curricular learning - Jefferson County Schools

CONTENT STANDARD 3.0 GEOGRAPHY
Social Studies Indicators
• 3.3.tpi.5. determine direction using a compass, sun, and stars.
• 3.3.tpi 6. utilize skills to locate a place using cardinal directions and
symbols given an appropriate map with a key.
Language Arts Indicators
• 3.1spi.11. follow and give oral/written directions up to three steps.
Materials needed:
Ten or more pairs of everyday, easily recognizable objects; signs saying
NORTH, SOUTH, EAST, WEST; compass rose (optional).
Assessment activity: Compass Tag
1. Introduce the concept of the cardinal directions and the compass to
children, and help them locate north.
2. When children can easily identify north by pointing in that direction,
review how they can find other directions when they know where north is.
Have them hold the direction signs and stand in the correct place in relation
to north. Teach concepts that south is opposite of north and east is opposite
of west.
3. To play Compass Tag, place the direction signs and pairs of similar
objects in different parts of the room. For example, place one board eraser
in the north, another in the east. Then ask a player to tag one of them by
saying: “Find the eraser in the east.” The player must move to the correct
eraser and tag it. Continue until every child has had at least one turn.
4. Every few turns, remove one sign, until only NORTH is left. Also, rotate
the objects so that they are in different positions.
Assessment tool: Results of students following directions; application of
skills used in mapping activities.
EXTENSIONS: As students become familiar with following the directions, have
them give directions themselves. Move the game outdoors, to the gym, or to
another space, again starting with children finding north with the compass.
Examine various maps to locate compass rose on each. Explain that they should
check this every time they use a new map.
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