It is very important to be able to follow directions; especially directions for travelling to a location. It is also important to know that there is nothing wrong with asking for help if you aren't sure where you are going. You may not always have access to a GPS device or another app for finding locations.

Reading a map or following directions to get to a location is a mathematical activity and you will focus on this in this activity.

Image courtesy of www.imagesgoogle.com

Look at the town map below.

Try your hand at following these directions on the map:

• Find the Grocery Store on your map.

• You are parked on 4th Avenue. If you drive three blocks to the west (left), you end up at the hotel.

• If you wanted to go to the ball diamonds, I would tell you to go two blocks east (right), turn left on 6th Street, and then drive three blocks north to the ball diamond.

• Parking is down a little lane near the corner of 6th Street and Highway 24.

Now try these directions:

Which directions were easier to follow? Do you agree that the first set were much easier to follow because they are much clearer? The second set is not very clear. How much is a few or couple of blocks? How far do you have to drive straight — 1 block or 10 blocks? If you are in a strange place, you may not be confident with north, east, etc.

If you are ever given a set of directions like the second set, do one of two things:

1. ask for clearer directions or

2. ask someone else

In the long run, it will save you time and effort to get the proper directions before you leave.