Outdoor Survival · Applied Wilderness Skills
Navigation
Students use maps, compasses, coordinates, and GPS to find direction and location, measure distance, and solve practical outdoor navigation problems.
For grades 6–10
Inside the Navigation unit
Students finish by designing a race-route map that uses landmarks, scale, cardinal directions, and clear instructions to guide another person.
6 core lessons + Unit Challenge
Navigation Teacher Manual — Table of Contents Introduction: page 6 Unit Overview: page 10 Teacher Background Knowledge: page 11 Supplies: page 14 Unit Storyline: page 15 Lesson 1: Cardinal Directions: page 17 Lesson 2: Magnetism and Compasses: page 29 Lesson 3: Latitude, Longitude, and GPS: page 44 Lesson 4: GPS Waypoints in the Field: page 54 Lesson 5: Maps—Location and Distance: page 70 Lesson 6: Maps—Reading Topographic Maps: page 83 Unit Challenge: Race Route: page 98 Conclusion: page 101 Actual contents from printed page 5. The spiral mockup represents PDFs customers may print. Purchases include downloadable PDFs; printed books and supplies are not included.
Look inside
Each unit pairs a Teacher Manual with an Adventure Journal student workbook. The manual guides instruction and activities; the journal supports student planning, recording, and reflection.
Preview the unit overview and a complete Maps—Location and Distance lesson, with corresponding student workbook pages.
Preview the Teacher Manual
Teacher Manual
See how the lesson is organized, including teaching guidance, materials, safety considerations, and activity instructions.
The Schoolyard map is sideways in the original workbook. Use Rotate page for a comfortable reading view. The downloadable PDF preserves the original.
Preview the Adventure Journal student workbook
Adventure Journal student workbook
See the pages students use alongside this lesson to record observations, practice concepts, and reflect on their learning.
The Schoolyard map is sideways in the original workbook. Use Rotate page for a comfortable reading view. The downloadable PDF preserves the original.
Teacher Manual + Student Workbook
Downloadable PDFs: the Teacher Manual and matching Adventure Journal student workbook for this unit. Printed books and supplies are not included.
Individual resources
Each bundle includes both resources for one unit. Shop other units →
Teaching this unit
Teach in a schoolyard or similar outdoor area with clear boundaries and room to practice navigation and measure distance. Prepare maps, compasses, measuring tools, and access to mapping technology for the GPS lessons.
Supplies & teaching preparation
Supplies
Plan from each lesson’s list: one compass per student, string for map routes, cones or flags, an internet-connected device for mapping, and measuring tools. Optional chalk and building bricks support topography activities. For the Race Route challenge, prepare poster paper and colored pencils or equivalent. Printed books and activity supplies are not included.
Outdoor space
Use a defined schoolyard, field, or similar area with visible landmarks and safe walking surfaces. Lesson 5 needs a straight 100-foot course and a longer measured route. Keep students away from roads, parking lots, water, fences, and other hazards.
Preparation & supervision
Review the teacher background and lesson instructions; practice compass and mapping tasks; select landmarks; measure courses before class; prepare maps and technology access; and check required apps against school device policies. Communicate boundaries, supervise outdoor movement, and follow school or program policies.
Materials for the sample lesson
For Lesson 5, prepare paper, pencils, string, cones or markers, and a pre-measured 100-foot course or measuring tape. A map of the school grounds and measuring wheel are optional. For ranger beads, plan about 2–3 feet of paracord and 10–15 small beads per student, plus scissors. Any lighter for finishing cord ends is for teacher use only.
Shorter class periods
The planning estimate is approximately 10 hours of student learning across the unit. Allow multiple sessions for longer activities and adapt pacing to your group, site, and technology access.
Delivery, printing & licensing
Delivery
Download links arrive by email after purchase. PDFs only; no printed books or supplies.
Classroom printing permissions
The purchaser may reproduce student materials for use with their own students. The license applies to a single teacher and their classes only. Additional teachers must purchase their own license. Sharing, distributing, or posting the material online or in school or district repositories without permission is prohibited.
About the Pilot Edition
This is the currently available Navigation edition, with all six lessons and the Unit Challenge. “Pilot Edition” identifies its stage of development as the curriculum is refined through classroom use.
School & group purchasing
Contact us to discuss purchasing and licensing for multiple instructors in a school, homeschool co-op, microschool, or program.
Ask about school purchasing →