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Interactive Compass Rose

Run the Compass Rose MicroSim Fullscreen

About This MicroSim

This interactive compass rose helps students learn cardinal directions (North, South, East, West) and intermediate directions (Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, Northwest). The simulation includes two modes:

Explore Mode: Click any direction on the compass rose to learn about it and see its associated landmark.

Quiz Mode: An arrow points to a direction - click the correct direction label to earn points!

Visual Elements

  • Large compass rose with 8 labeled points
  • North arrow highlighted in red for easy identification
  • Surrounding landmarks: Mountain (N), Ocean (E), Desert (S), Forest (W), and more
  • Interactive highlighting when directions are selected

Controls

Control Description
Explore Button Switch to explore mode - click directions to learn
Quiz Button Switch to quiz mode - test your knowledge
Score Display Shows correct answers out of total attempts

Embedding This MicroSim

You can include this MicroSim on your website using the following iframe:

<iframe src="https://dmccreary.github.io/us-geography/sims/compass-rose/main.html"
        height="532px"
        width="100%"
        scrolling="no">
</iframe>

Lesson Plan

Learning Objectives

By the end of this activity, students will be able to:

  1. Identify all eight compass directions (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW)
  2. Name the four cardinal directions and four intermediate directions
  3. Locate directions on a compass rose
  4. Apply directional knowledge to real-world scenarios using landmarks

Bloom's Taxonomy Alignment

  • Remember (L1): Recall the names and positions of compass directions
  • Apply (L3): Use directional knowledge in the quiz to identify directions

Suggested Activities

  1. Warm-Up (5 minutes): Ask students to point in different directions around the classroom
  2. Explore Phase (5 minutes): Let students click each direction to learn the landmarks
  3. Practice Phase (5 minutes): Have students practice with the quiz mode
  4. Challenge (5 minutes): Students compete to see who can get the highest score

Assessment Opportunities

  • Monitor quiz scores as formative assessment
  • Ask students to describe a path between two landmarks using directions
  • Have students create their own landmark associations for directions

Extensions

  • Have students create a compass rose for their neighborhood
  • Practice giving directions using only cardinal and intermediate directions
  • Connect to map reading skills with actual maps

References

Remember: Never Eat Soggy Waffles (N-E-S-W clockwise from North!)