Reading scales and bearings from a world map

Take your students on a mathematical journey around the world (or across a fictional map) with this engaging and practical map skills investigation.

Students plan a route visiting ten destinations shown on a map before using rulers and map scales to measure and convert distances into real-life values. They then apply mathematical reasoning to calculate travel times and determine bearings between locations, developing confidence with key geography and numeracy skills.

The activity encourages problem-solving, accuracy and independent thinking as students create and justify their own travel route. A structured extension task adds a creative twist, challenging learners to write a travel diary or adventure narrative that incorporates all of the mathematical information they have calculated, including distances, travel times and bearings.

Skills covered:

Measuring distances on maps
Using and interpreting scales
Converting map measurements to real-world distances
Calculating travel times
Finding and using bearings
Problem-solving and mathematical reasoning
Cross-curricular literacy and creative writing

Ideal for: KS3 Maths, Geography, cover lessons, enrichment activities, project work or end-of-unit investigations.

A highly engaging real-world task that combines mathematics, geography and literacy in one memorable lesson.