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Follow the line and count the checkpoints along the route

Line-O — Activity

Follow the line and find unmarked checkpoints along the way

Time	30-60 minutes
Space	Schoolyard, local park, or forested area
Materials	Line-O maps (1 per student or pair), All-checkpoints map with checkpoint locations, Checkpoints (flags, flagging tape, or cones), Pens or pencils
Vocabulary	Precision, Feature

"Stay on the line to find the unmarked checkpoints"

Line-O develops precision in map reading. A line is drawn on the map, and participants follow that line through the terrain. Along the line, unmarked checkpoints are placed at features. Participants must stay on the line, notice the checkpoints as they pass them, and remember or mark their locations. The challenge is to follow the line exactly and to recognize the terrain features where checkpoints are placed.

Learning Goals

Learning Goals

Students completing this activity will be able to:

• Develop precision in map reading
• Practise following linear features and fine navigation
• Improve ability to relate terrain to the map
• Learn to describe checkpoint locations accurately

How to Run It

How to Run It

Setup

1. Put out checkpoints along the line route as per the all-checkpoints map

Steps

1. Pair up. Have students pair up and look at the map together.

2. Find the start. Find where the drawn line starts on the map and in the terrain.

3. Follow the line. Keep the map oriented as you move. Try to stay exactly on the line. Watch for terrain features that match the map and talk about where you are.

4. Find the checkpoints. Look for unmarked checkpoints placed directly on the line. Remember the location of each checkpoint.

5. Mark the map. Draw the checkpoint locations on your map once you have finished.

Adaptations

Ways to adapt the activity to meet the needs of your students: slow things down, increase the challenge, or adapt for different learners

• Timed: add timing for a competitive version
• Fewer obvious features: make the course harder with fewer obvious features
• Checkpoint count: use more or fewer checkpoint locations
• Solo: do it individually instead of in pairs

Reflection

Reflection

• How did you make sure you stayed on the line?
• Were there parts where you went off the line? How did you know?
• How would you describe where each checkpoint was located, using the terrain around it?
• What helped you navigate most accurately?

Vocabulary

Vocabulary

Precision: Navigating exactly along the intended route rather than approximately.

Feature: A real-world object that appears on the map. The checkpoints in Line-O are placed at features along the line.

See the Glossary for all curriculum terms.