A navigator was one of the most important sailors on the ship. The navigator used the compass, read the charts, and told the captain which way to steer.
Navigators used the four main directions: north, south, east, and west. Here is a trick to remember them in order: Never Eat Soggy Waffles! The sun helps too — it rises in the east and sets in the west.
Today you become the ship's navigator. You will find the directions where you live, follow a compass course, and draw your own treasure chart. Steady as she goes!
1. What was the navigator's job?
2. What are the four main directions?
3. Where does the sun rise, and where does it set?
You need: a compass (a phone compass works!) and a grown-up helper.
Step 1: Find north in your home. Face that way.
Step 2: Figure out south (behind you), east (right hand), and west (left hand).
Step 3: Have your helper give you a course: 'Walk 3 steps north! Now 2 steps east!' Follow it like a real navigator.
Write what is in each direction from your room below.
| Direction | What is that way in my home? |
|---|---|
| North | |
| South | |
| East | |
| West |
1. Was it easy or hard to follow a course by directions? Why?
2. How would this be harder on a moving ship at sea?
Draw your own sea chart! Include: an island, a coastline, sea monsters if you like, an X for treasure, and a compass rose with N, S, E, W.
1. The told the captain which way to steer.
2. A compass needle points .
3. The sun rises in the .
4. The sun sets in the .
5. Never sail without your !
| I did it! | Circle one |
|---|---|
| I found north, south, east, and west | YES / NOT YET |
| I followed a compass course | YES / NOT YET |
| I drew a chart with a compass rose | YES / NOT YET |