Unit 4 Compass directions


The four compass directions in your area A compass is a tool that always shows where north is. The four main compass directions are north, south, east and west. We use these directions to explain where places are in relation to each other. You can also use the sun to find out where east and west are. The sun rises in the east. It sets in the west. If you stand with your left arm pointing west and right arm pointing east, north is in front of you and south is behind you.


Compass directions on a map


To read a map we must know where north is. Maps should always be drawn with north at the top. On a map we show the four main directions in a diagram like we show here. These are called the four points of the compass.


Use the four points of the compass


Look at the map on page 41. Pretend you are standing at the garage that is shown on the map. From the garage look north (towards the top of the map), you can see that: • Ace take-away is north of you (in front of you) • Main Street is west of you (to your left) • Sun Café is east of you (to your right) • the crèche is south of you (behind you).


Activity 5 Use the four points of the compass


1 Draw the compass with arrows into your notebook. Mark N, S, E and W.


2 Use the map on page 41. Pretend you are standing at Thabo’s house facing north. What direction is each of these from you: 2.1 Two trees


2.2 Kudu Street 2.3 Springbok Street


3 Describe the route from the Mosque to Thabo’s house using the four points of the compass.


Unit 4: Compass directions 45


N stands for north S stands for south E stands for east W stands for west


Work out where the four directions are


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