Travel
Directions
Background Information
Correct directions are important in getting from one place to another. Whether walking, biking, or riding in a car, correct directions can save time and aggravation.
When using a car, correct directions can save gas and limit both miles traveled (VMT) and auto emissions.
In this activity, students will prepare and share directions in order to recognize the need for providing accurate information when giving directions.
Student Activities
Work in a small team of three or four classmates.
1. Select a location in your town that most students are familiar with.
a. Give directions for getting there using only landmarks.
Without using a map, have other student teams try to guess what the location is. How close did they get to the actual location? How long did it take to arrive at their conclusion?
b. Give directions for getting there using street names, addresses, and compass directions.
Without using a map, have other student teams try to guess what the location is. How close did they get to the actual location? How long did it take to arrive at their conclusion? c. Finally, using a map, follow directions and actually find the location.
- How long did it take to arrive at their conclusion?
d. Select a less know location, such as the:
- City Hall
- Police station
- Etc.
2. Plan your own trip on the school grounds or in the school neighborhood.
a. Prepare directions for the trip.
-Use either:
- landmarks
- streets
- directions and distances (ex: North 50 feet)
b. Discuss:-Exchange with other teams.
-Follow each others directions and walk the entire route.
- How long did it take for each team to finish the trip?
- What was the shortest time?
- What was the longest time?
- What were some problems with understanding the directions you followed?
- What were some problems with understanding your directions?
- What were some strengths of yours?
3. What implications does providing correct directions have for car travel?
Teacher Notes
Have students select locations that are well known landmarks.
Review map reading skills.
Have students actually walk the route planned by other teams.
Stress that adequate directions can decrease VMT.
Note: Local maps are needed for this module.
Interdisciplinary Approach: Earth Science and Geography.