Grade 5 · Unit 8: Location and transformation

Giving directions

Compass directions, turns and distances.

Navigating rivers

Boat pilots follow directions on rivers. They use compass points and distances. Clear directions keep everyone safe.

Eight compass points

N to E is a 90° turn clockwise. N to NE is 45°. N to S is 180°.

Turns in degrees

Each 45° is one step round the compass. Clockwise goes N → NE → E … Anticlockwise goes N → NW → W …

Routes with scale

Give direction and distance for each part. East 5 squares = 500 m, north 3 squares = 300 m. Total route: 800 m.

Bearings

A bearing is an angle measured clockwise from north. East is 090°, south is 180°, west is 270°. A boat sailing on a bearing of 045° is heading north-east.

What I learnt

• I can use eight compass points.
• I can describe turns in degrees.
• I can give routes with distances.