Compass directions

Compass directions

Pencil and paper
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
Further Resources
Practical Task

Follow the instructions below. After making each move, write your answer on the line provided.
 
a)
Stand facing North. Make a 90° turn to the right.
 
What direction are you facing now? __________
 
b)
Stand facing West. Make a 180° turn.
  
What direction are you facing now? __________
 
c)
Stand facing Southeast. Make a 90° turn to your right.
 
What direction are you facing now? __________
 
d)
Stand facing North. Make a 45° turn to the left.
 
What direction are you facing now? __________
 
e)
Stand facing West. Make a 135° turn to your left.
 
What direction are you facing now? __________
 
f) Stand facing South. Make a 225° turn to your right.
 
What direction are you facing now? __________
Task administration: 
Equipment
8 chairs, each of which is labelled with one of the points of the compass indicated below
  • This item could be carried out inside or outside the classroom.
  • Before students start, set out the 8 chairs in the correct positions of the compass, in a circle facing inwards. If you are doing this activity inside, put the chairs as close to the walls of the room as possible.

  • When carrying out this activity, students should be near the centre of the circle of chairs.
Level:
4
Curriculum info: 
Maths, Geometry and Measurement, Position and orientation
Keywords: 
direction, compass, bearings, degrees, rotation
Description of task: 
Students make a series of rotational turns based on compass positions.
Learning Progression Frameworks
This resource can provide evidence of learning associated with
Geometric thinking, sets 4-5
within the Mathematics Learning Progressions Frameworks.
Read more about the Learning Progressions Frameworks.
Answers/responses: 

a)

East

b)

East

c)

South-West

d)

North-West

e)

South-East

f)

North-East