Brunton TruArc 3 Compass

Compass includes a classic, see-through baseplate that is easy to use with a map. The tool-free design leads to simple navigating for all ages. An analog, orbital navigation system features readings in 2° increments. Two edges of the compass also include a built-in ruler.

Compass is 3-1/2"L x 2-1/2"W x 1/2"H; 1 oz.

15 Fundamental Movement Skill Activities Using the Brunton TruArc 3 Compass

The Brunton TruArc 3 Compass is a beginner-friendly navigation tool designed to help users learn orienteering and basic map skills with precision and ease. It features an optical sighting system and a simplified baseplate design, making it ideal for students learning how to navigate and orient themselves using landmarks and bearings. This product is especially useful in outdoor education and physical education classes that incorporate movement with spatial awareness, problem solving, and teamwork. Using the compass in activities helps students develop fundamental movement skills while engaging in authentic, purpose-driven exploration and direction-based challenges.

Below are 15 unique and engaging activity ideas that integrate the Brunton TruArc 3 Compass into physical education classes. These activities are designed to improve students' fundamental movement skills such as walking, running, stopping, dodging, balancing, and coordination, while also reinforcing navigation and map-reading skills.

1. Compass Course Craze: Set up a basic orienteering course with checkpoints using the Brunton TruArc 3 Compass. Students use walking and running skills to navigate the course, practicing spatial awareness and locomotor control.

2. Magnetic March Madness: Students follow a series of compass bearings while marching or jogging to designated landmarks. Promotes rhythmic walking and endurance with directional awareness.

3. Bearing Buddy Relay: In pairs, one student sets a compass bearing and the other follows the direction, then switches. Encourages teamwork, balance, and running in a straight line.

4. Polar Plot Pathways: On a field, place cones marked with bearings. Students must rotate and move toward each using hopping, skipping, or leaping as directed. Reinforces body control and navigation.

5. North Star Sprint: Students line up and sprint toward “north” (based on compass reading). Teacher changes direction (e.g., now run east), promoting quick changes in direction and speed control.

6. Balance on Bearings: At each checkpoint, students perform a static balance pose for 10 seconds before continuing. Reinforces balancing while transitioning between tasks.

7. True North Twister: Each student holds a compass and when the teacher calls a direction, they must turn and face that direction, then perform a twist motion. Combines spatial orientation and twisting.

8. Orienteering Freeze Dance: When music stops, students must freeze, check their compass, and point in the correct direction. Promotes stopping, reaction time, and directional awareness.

9. Sway and Say: Teacher calls out a bearing and a movement. Students sway side-to-side in that direction while repeating the compass bearing aloud. Builds kinesthetic learning and swaying balance.

10. Stop-N-Spin Bearings: Students run to a bearing, stop at a cone, perform a twist or spin, and check direction again. Combines stopping, twisting, and directional movement fluency.

11. Turn by Degree Tag: Students move while holding compasses. When tagged, they must turn a specific degree (e.g., 90° left), check direction, and resume movement. Enhances quick direction shifts and awareness.

12. Path Plot Puzzles: Groups are given bearings and must lay down spots in a path that matches those directions. Then, they walk or run their created path. Involves sequencing and coordination.

13. Roll to the Pole: Students roll balls toward cones placed at directional bearings. Encourages rolling, accuracy, and compass application.

14. Navigate N' Name: Students follow bearings to different spots where they must perform a movement and name the direction they came from. Builds memory, orientation, and movement.

15. Global Games Grid: Set up a large grid with cones at intersection points. Students follow multi-step bearing instructions (e.g., “Go 3 steps north, 2 east”) and perform different movements at each cone.