Timing: 30 mins +

Available Sites: Bedfont Lakes Country Park

Timing: 45 minutes

Age range: Recommended ages 5+

Aim

To demonstrate how to read a very basic map and locating key landmarks (e.g. the play area), then encourage pupils to use their map reading skills to follow a simple set route (indicated on the map) and answer a series of minibeast-related questions that are located along the route.

Activity Description:

Orienteering is a great way to develop map reading skills, as well as encouraging communication and decision making skills.

This activity can be ranger-led led or teacher-led, however this orienteering course is not permanent so it will need to be set up before your visit by a ranger (this activity is therefore only available if the group is visiting for other ranger-led activities). You can find a downloadable minibeast orienteering map and teacher instructions below.

If the activity is led by a ranger, pupils will be given a map and asked a series of questions to demonstrate their level of understanding in map reading. They will be given a health and safety talk then will follow the route as a group, answering minibeast related questions on the way. Each group must be accompanied by an adult. Along the way the ranger will discuss each question with the group and expand on the themes within the question (e.g. camouflage, life cycles etc).

National Curriculum Links:

•       • Science KS1 and 2: SC2 - Life processes and Living Things

•       • Geography KS1: Geographical enquiry and skills

Learning Objectives:

Most children will be able to:

•       • With assistance, find where they are on a simple map in relation to landmarks.
•       • With assistance answer the questions about minibeasts.

Some children will be able to:

•       • Independently choose which path they need to take in order to follow the route.
•       • Answer all the questions about minibeasts and discuss the topics raised in detail.

Worksheets (Download as PDF):

•       • Minibeast Orienteering map  >
• •       • Teachers’ notes and answers  >(if activity is teacher-led)

Related Activities:

•       • Minibeast Habitat Hunt >

•       • Pond Dipping page (and worksheet downloads)  >

Follow up:

•       • Children may wish to draw their own maps of an area of the park or school grounds and set up their own route.

Health and Safety

Teachers/leaders should consider the following when you write your risk assessment and during supervision:

• •       • Dehydration and other weather related conditions: bring plenty of water and appropriate clothing as there is limited shade during the route.
• •       • Lost children: ensure that children stay as a group and do not run ahead out of sight.
• •       • Ensure children wear appropriate footwear for walking.

For more information on Heath and Safety during group visits please see here  >