ALCA Members PLC Domains Data Standards Map Plan Curriculum Assessment Strategies

How to Label a Compass Rose

Directions are used to find places in the real world and on a map. This tool will introduce learners to the compass rose which shows the directions on a map.

Engaging Questions

  • What is a compass rose?

  • What are the symbols for the cardinal directions?

  • What are the symbols for the four intermediate directions?

  • What are the four intermediate directions?

  • What are the four cardinal directions?

  • If you are facing north, which direction is behind you?

  • If you are facing north, which direction is on your left?

  • If you are facing north, which direction is on your right?

Teacher Goals

  • The learner will label a compass rose with the cardinal and intermediate directions.

Required Resources

Optional Resources

  • Maps

    Maps showing a compass rose

Steps

  1. Notes

    Read the student notes.

  2. Compass Rose

    Print a copy of the compass rose master.

  3. Label north

    Put a capital "N" at the top of the compass rose with a red map pencil.

  4. Label south

    Put a capital "S" where south is located on the compass rose with a red map pencil.

  5. Label east

    Put a capital "E" where east is located on the compass rose with a red map pencil.

  6. Label west

    Put a capital "W" where west is located on the compass rose with a red map pencil.

  7. Label northeast

    Put a capital NE where northeast is located on the compass rose with a blue map pencil.

  8. Label southeast

    Put a capital SE where southeast is located on the compass rose with a blue map pencil.

  9. Label northwest

    Put a capital NW where northwest is located on the compass rose with a blue map pencil.

  10. Label southwest

    Put a capital SW where southwest is located on the compass rose with a blue map pencil.

Teacher Notes

  • Each student will need a copy of the compass rose master that is attached to this tool.

  • Duration: This tool will take about 30 minutes.

Learner Notes

  • Directions are one way to find places. There are four cardinal directions: north (N), south (S), West (W), and east (E). North is the direction of the North Pole. The North Pole is the farthest point north on earth. South is the direction of the South Pole. The South Pole is the farthest point south on earth.

    Once you know where north is, you can find the other cardinal directions. When you face north, south is behind you. West is on your left and east is on your right when you face north.

    There are four directions in between the cardinal directions. These four directions are the intermediate directions: northeast (NE), southeast (SE), northwest (NW), and southwest (SW). The direction between north and east is called northeast. The direction between east and south is called southeast. What direction is between north and west? Northwest is between north and west. What direction is between south and west? Southwest is between south and west.

    A compass rose, a direction finder, is a small drawing that shows the cardinal and intermediate directions. If north is not shown, it will always be at the top.

Mentor Notes

  • Directions are used to find places. When we travel to unfamiliar places, a map is needed to help us find our way. The compass rose is used on a map to show the directions. The student notes will give information needed to complete the steps in this tool. The compass rose master needs to be printed for the learner to use.

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