Orienteering

Description

Each team will demonstrate their ability to read and interpret maps, and to follow directions using a compass.

Competition

For the first part of the competition, a series of stations will be set up with questions relating to maps and map reading.  The competition may include not only factual knowledge questions, such as the meaning of certain map symbols, but also questions that require competitors to read a map and draw reasonable conclusions from them.  (For example, a question may ask students to read a road map and explain how to get from one location to another.)

In the second part of the competition, each team will be given a set of instructions for navigating around a flat, square field.  They will be expected to use a compass to successfully travel the assigned course.

Other Information

Each team should bring their own compass to the competition.  The types of maps students may encounter are a road map, a physical map, a topographic map, and a map of natural resources.

Scoring

Parts One and Two will count equally.  Part One will be scored based on the number of correct answers and their quality. Part Two will be scored based on total time and accuracy (the ability to correctly follow directions). Teams will be ranked from highest to lowest score.

Content Outline

I.  Map Identification
    A.  Topographic map
        1. elevation at a given point
        2. direction of river/stream flow
        3. determine contour interval
        4. determine general direction from one locale to another
        5. knowledge of topographical symbols and their meanings
    B.  Road map
        1. Distance between two points
        2. give grid system cooridinates for a specific location or city
        3. determine county seats and city population
        4. differentiate between state roads, U.S. highways, and Interstate highways
        5. interpret a mileage table
        6. determine general direction from one locale to another

II. Compass Usage
        A. Be able to pace ten meters
        B. Be able to follow a list of azimuth readings and distances
        C. Locate control markers by directional leads as well as by pace
            (example: travel 15 meters at 290 degrees and record the marker code)
        D. Calculators are permitted