X Marks the Spot – The Science of Finding Our Way

Classroom Links: Technology, Physics

Students may enjoy seeing what the interior of Sam’s bike looks like here.

There is also a video of the record-breaking ride on You Tube. (Note: Preview before playing to students as there are profanities near the end.)

Have students compare the photograph of Sam’s recumbent bike to their own bikes. What features of Sam’s bike might make it go faster? Discuss concepts of streamlining and friction.

Bubble Breathers (page 4)

Classroom Links: Biology

You can find several images of insects and spiders that use bubbles to help them breathe underwater here.

Elephant Seal Scientists (page 5)

This article has a photo of a seal with a transmitter attached as well as a 3-D map showing the travels of an elephant seal as well as the depth to which it dove.

Mind Games (page 5)

Classroom Links: English

Flying High with Kites (page 6)

Classroom Links: Physics

There are many sites on the Internet that provide simple patterns for kites, such as Kites in the Classroom or 20 Kids * 20 Kites * 20 Minutes.  Or, have students bring kites from home.

Red Pandas (page 8)

Classroom Links: Biology

Fun fact sheets and other information for children can be found at the site for the Red Panda Network.

As a classroom activity, have students create a chart or use a Venn Diagram to compare and contrast red pandas, raccoons, and black bears. Red pandas are related to raccoons, but pandas are often referred to as panda “bears.” They are not bears. Compare things such as: size, appearance (especially the tail and face), diet, and habitat.

Theme Section:
Finding Our Way (page 9 - 13)

Classroom Links: Science

The best way for children to learn about maps and navigation is with hands-on experience. Here are some ideas to begin with:

1. Compass Works
Have students use a compass (or, do a class demo). Put the compass on a flat surface away from anything metal. Watch the needle spin and see which direction the coloured end is pointing. Then turn the compass (not the dial). What happens to the needle?

This end always points to magnetic North. So even when you turn the compass, the needle will always point North. This is because you are standing on a big magnet: the Earth. (See the KNOW It Alls column on page 17 for more.)

2. Make a Compass

Check on-line for directions on how to make a simple compass with a needle and a cork (for e.g., How Stuff Works or look for The Magnet Book by Shar Levine and Leslie Johnstone.

3. Explore Maps

Explore a variety of different types of maps with your students. Try to include simple maps such as floor plans to museums or art galleries, as well as road maps, and larger-scale maps for countries or the world. Ensure you include a variety of scales. Point out the scale and the legends for each map. Also explore globes and atlases.

4. Make a Map

Using graph paper with a large grid size have students make a map of a small area. It could be their bedroom or the classroom or even the cage of a classroom pet. Help the children develop their own scale. For example, if they are mapping a room, one step could equal one grid square. For a smaller area, such as their desktop, one grid could equal 10 centimetres.

5. Navigate for Treasure

Have students create a treasure map (complete with hidden treasure) which is measured in paces. Once their maps are completed, have them swap with a partner and search for their treasure.

6. Take a Field Trip

As a class, try geocaching or orienteering. Local orienteering clubs often have programs and instructors for beginners. And the instructions for geocaching can be found at www.geocaching.com.

Great Moments in Science: Mapping a Mystery (page 22)

Classroom Links: Science, English