|
Weekly Activity
Our activities section suggests things for you to do with your children.
Most of these will have educational value, which we'll point out.
However, the main idea is just to have fun with them. We'll also suggest
ways you can extend them.
Hiking In Town by Barbara Morris
If you live in a town, you can't always get out into the country when
you want to go hiking. But hiking with a map is a good way to learn
about left and right, north and south, how to use a compass, how to map
read, and how to make a map.
1. Making a map
Think of a place you often go on foot, like the shops, the school, the
park, a friend's house. Together, draw a map of the route you follow.
Next time you go to that place, follow your map. Check your map as you
go. When you get home, draw an improved version of your map. Add in any
useful information you noticed when you followed the map.
2. Turning a map into written directions
One of you looks at the map, and describes in words the route it shows.
The other person writes down what they say. Together, read the written
instructions which you have created. Read the instructions to a third
person. Do not tell them the destination where the instructions lead.
Can they work out where you are directing them to go?
3. Marking north on a map
Take your map and a compass, and follow your route. Several times along
the way, check for north with the compass, and write in (in pencil) a
north-pointing arrow on the map at the point where you are standing at
the time. At the end of the walk, all the north arrows should point the
same way. When you get home, draw in and decorate a compass, showing
north (in the direction of your pencil arrows), and with east, south and
west arrows also marked, in an empty corner of the map. [Going clockwise
from north, the compass points go "North East South West", or "Naughty
Elephants Squirt Water".] Then rub out your original pencil arrows.
4. Comparing your map to a printed map
Find a printed map of your town. A street map, with all the street names
marked, is good. So is an Ordnance Survey (1:250,000 scale): although
the streets are not named, these OS maps show accurately every street,
side-street, alley and footpath. Motoring maps are no good, as they do
not show every street. Find your street on the printed map. Compare it
with the map you made. Talk about how they are different and how they
are similar. Does the printed map give you any ideas about improving
your own map (eg, could you draw your map to a scale, or make up a key
of symbols to mark important things like traffic lights, zebra crossings,
playgrounds or friends' houses?)
5. Using a printed map
Next time you go to your destination, take the printed map with you.
Follow your route on the printed map. Then follow the map on another
short journey which you know well. Once you have got used to following
the printed map, you are ready for a longer expedition.
Think of a destination which you usually go to by bus or car (a
destination between one and three miles away. Study the map together and
find a route from your home to this destination. Look for a route which
avoids main roads. Pick a pleasant route which goes through quiet
streets and parks. From the printed map, draw your own map of the route,
or write a list of instructions. Pack some sandwiches, and some
waterproofs if it looks like rain. Put on some comfortable shoes. Take
your own map (or instructions) and the printed map with you. Follow your
own map, but check the printed map if you think you are on the point of
getting lost.
As you go, make a note of interesting features or useful information to
add to your map. For instance, you can mark schools, unusual shops,
churches, bus stops, letter boxes, and interesting gardens.
|