Lesson 36: Compass Directions
North, south, east, and west provide geographic references that do not change when someone turns around. Earth's rotation, the Sun, shadows, and map direction markers introduce ways to establish orientation.
Key Ideas
- Earth has a North Pole and a South Pole at the ends of its imaginary spinning axis. These help define north and south.
- East and west are two other main directions. Sunrise is usually toward the eastern side of the sky, but its exact position changes.
- North, east, south, and west are the four cardinal directions. A compass rose shows how they fit together.
- Shadows can give clues about direction. The direction of a noon shadow depends on where and when we observe it.
- North is not always at the top of a map. A direction marker tells us how that map is arranged.
Vocabulary
- North Pole: The point where Earth's rotation axis meets its surface in the north.
- South Pole: The point where Earth's rotation axis meets its surface in the south.
- Cardinal Directions: The four main directions: North, East, South, and West
- Compass Rose: A symbol on a map that shows N, E, S, and W
- Solar Noon: The time when the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky that day.
- Orient: To turn a map so its directions match the real place.
Discussion Questions
- A friend says "the park is behind the school." Is that a real direction or does it still depend on where you're standing? Explain.
- Why do you think sailors, who spend all day on open water with no landmarks, were some of the first people to rely heavily on fixed directions?
- Could you invent a fifth fixed direction, one that belongs to the Earth the way North does? What would it point to, and would it ever change?
Supplies
- A partner and two spots where you cannot see each other
- A clear view of the horizon at sunrise (or a clear memory of where the sun rose this morning)
- A straight stick about two feet long, two small stones or pebbles, and open sunny ground