SAMPLE ANSWERS

Navigation Basics

• Have you ever felt lost, either in a new place or in nature? How did you figure out where to go?
  • Yes, I once got lost in a park. I followed the sound of cars and eventually found my way to the main road.
  • I got lost in a shopping mall, but I found a map near the entrance and used it to get back to my family.
• What natural landmarks, like trees or hills, do you notice in your neighborhood? How could they help someone navigate?
  • There’s a tall water tower near my house that’s easy to see from far away. It helps me know which direction home is.
  • We have a big hill behind my school. I use it as a guide when walking to nearby shops.
• If you could create a map of your favorite place, what would you include as landmarks?
  • I’d map my local park and include the lake, the playground, and the big oak tree near the entrance.
  • I’d make a map of my school and include the soccer field, the library, and the parking lot.
• Do you think maps are still important today, even with GPS? Why or why not?
  • Yes, maps are important because phones can die or lose signal, but paper maps don’t need power.
  • I think GPS is more useful because it updates in real-time, but it’s good to know how to use maps as a backup.
• Have you ever tried to use a paper map? How was it different from using an app?
  • Yes, I used one during a road trip. It was harder because you had to fold it and figure out the scale.
  • I tried using a paper map once. It didn’t show my exact location like an app, so it took longer to find the way.
• Why do you think navigation is an important skill? Can you think of a time when knowing how to find your way would be useful?
  • Navigation is important because it helps you avoid getting lost. It would be useful when hiking in a forest where there are no signs or paths.
  • It’s useful if you’re traveling to a new place. For example, finding your way to a friend’s house in another town.

• What would happen if someone didn’t plan their route before going on a hike? What problems could they face?
  • They might get lost and waste time trying to figure out where to go.
  • They could end up in dangerous areas like steep cliffs or rivers they didn’t know were there.

Using Map Features

• Why do maps have symbols, a legend, and a north arrow? How do these help us when using a map?
  • Symbols and legends tell us what things like rivers or forests mean on the map, and the north arrow helps us know which way to hold the map.
  • These features make it easier to understand the map, so you can use it even if you’ve never been to that place before.
• Imagine you are creating a map of your school or neighborhood. What features would you include to make it easy for someone else to use?
  • I would include the main buildings, roads, and paths, and I’d label them with symbols and names.
  • I’d add landmarks like a big tree or the playground, so people can find their way easily.

Identifying Landmarks

• What natural landmarks do you notice around your home or in your community? How do they help you find your way?”
  • There’s a big hill near my house that helps me know where north is.
  • I use a tall tree near my school as a guide when walking home.
• If you got lost in a forest, what landmarks would you look for to help you navigate?
  • I’d look for a stream because it might lead to a bigger river or a town.
  • I’d look for a tall tree or a rock formation that stands out and use it as a marker.

Making Good Choices

• If you had to choose between a long, safe route and a short, risky route, which would you pick? Why?
  • I’d choose the safe route because it’s better to be slow and safe than fast and in danger.
  • It depends on how risky the short route is. If it’s just a little harder but still safe, I might take it.
• What would you do first if you realized you were lost? How would you stay calm and figure out where to go?
  • I’d stop, take a deep breath, and look around for landmarks or check a map if I have one.
  • I’d stay where I am for a bit and try to remember where I came from or wait for help.

Practical Thinking

• How can planning ahead make an outdoor adventure safer and more fun? What tools would you bring with you?
  • Planning ahead helps you avoid danger and know where to find food or water. I’d bring a map, compass, and snacks.
  • It makes the adventure more fun because you don’t waste time being lost. I’d bring a flashlight, water bottle, and extra clothes.
• Imagine you are on a hike and come across two paths. One has a sign pointing toward a water source, and the other leads uphill with no signs. How would you decide which path to take?
  • I’d follow the sign to the water because water is important, and the path is marked.
  • I’d take the uphill path only if I know it’s a shortcut and I already have enough water.