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Summaries · Grade 5 Geography › Direction and the compass
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Direction and the compass

The eight compass directions, how a compass works, and how to find direction with degrees and the stars. Read one part at a time and tap “I know this”. Then test yourself in the quiz.

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Eight directions

The four main directions are north, east, south and west. The four intermediate directions lie between them: north-east, south-east, south-west and north-west. North-east is the opposite of south-west.

NNEESESSWWNW
Eight directions on the compass rose.
  • From Cape Town to Johannesburg you travel north-east.
  • From Johannesburg to Cape Town you travel south-west.
Tap when you could tell someone without looking.

How a compass works

A compass has a magnetic needle that always points north. Hold it flat and still so the needle can swing freely, and keep it away from large magnets, because they pull the needle away.

Rule

Turn your map so north on the map points north: then the map matches the ground.

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Direction in degrees

Directions can also be given in degrees, measured clockwise from north. North is 0°, east 90°, south 180° and west 270°. Aircraft use degrees because they are far more precise.

Meerkat tip

Walk south and turn 90° right: now you walk west.

Tap when you could tell someone without looking.

Direction without a compass

  • The sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
  • In South Africa the sun shines most on the north side of a house.
  • At night the star pattern called the Southern Cross helps you find south.
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Remember this and test yourself

Remember this: your summary
  • The four main directions are N, E, S and W; the intermediate directions are NE, SE, SW and NW.
  • A compass needle always points north. Hold it flat and still, away from magnets.
  • Between north and east is 90°; south is 180° from north.
  • The sun rises in the east. In South Africa the north side of a house gets the most sun.
  • At night the Southern Cross shows you where south is.

Write these points in your book. Read them again the night before the test.

Memory trick

Never Eat Soggy Waffles. The in-between directions always start with N or S: NE, SE, SW, NW.

Flash cards · Tap to turn over

Important words

First say what the word means, then turn the card over.

Test yourself · Part 2

True or false?

Read the question and the answer. Is the answer right? Tap True or False.

    Now the real quiz!

    The quiz has many more questions on this topic. Every question shows straight away whether you are right and explains why.

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    • Read one part together and ask your child to tell it back in their own words.
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    Follows CAPS for Grade 5 Social Sciences (Geography). Always check your teacher’s notes and textbook too.

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