Remember the belt loops are for the scout doing their best to learn about the sport or academic activity, and by putting the new techniques to practice with fellow scouts, in their community, or working with an adult.

1. Show how to orient a map. Find three landmarks on the map.

2. Explain how a compass works.

3. Draw a map of your neighborhood. Label the streets and plot the route you take to get to a place that you often visit.

Make a Compass

Things needed:

• Magnet

• Straight Pin or Needle

• Piece of cork about 1 inch (4 centimeters) wide by ¼ inch (1 centimeter) thick

• Bowl or saucer of water

Rub one end of the pin along the magnet about 12 times. Rub in one directions only. Do not rub back and forth. Lift the pin up each time.

Place the pin on the cork. Gently place the cork in the bowl of water. At first, the pin will swing around, then it will point steadily in one direction. It points along the magnetic line between the earth's north and south poles.

What Is Cartography?

Carography is the art or technique or making maps or charts.

Resources

Check your local library for information on maps and compasses. If you have access to the Internet, try using various search engines to look for the information you need. A field trip to a nearby museum or the local U.S. Geological Survey office may provide an excellent hands-on experience in your local community.