AI Tutor
Imagine finding a secret treasure map that says: "Walk ten steps forward." If you turn around, forward points the completely wrong way!
To solve this problem, mapmakers use four fixed directions called cardinal directions: North, South, East, and West.
A special drawing on the map called a compass rose shows you where each direction points.
Now that you know the four directions, how do you use them on a real map?

Reading a Map with Directions

On most standard maps, North is toward the top, South is toward the bottom, East is to your right, and West is to your left.
Let's find our way from the school in the middle. To visit the park at the top of the map, you travel North.
If you want to splash in the ocean waves at the beach, look to the left and move West.
What happens if you leave the school and start your trip from somewhere else?

Starting Point Matters

A common mistake is thinking a place is always in one direction. Directions change depending on where you start!