Follow Cardinal Directions, Grid Ref

Overview:

An activity where students follow cardinal directions to move animals across a grid and use grid references to describe their new locations. Designed for students in year 2 and year 3.

Learning Objectives:

• Follow cardinal directions to move across a grid.
• Use grid references to describe and record locations.
• Enhance directional and spatial awareness.

How the Activity Works:

Students help animals travel along a grid by following a series of cardinal directions. For example, Kelly walks 1 square south, 4 squares west, and 1 square north, and students will record Kelly's final location using the grid reference. Similarly, they follow Catty's movements: 5 squares north, 5 squares west, and 2 squares north, then record her new location. This exercise strengthens the students' ability to interpret and apply cardinal directions, while practising how to use grid references to track the animals' movement.