Bearings

Overview

Bearings are introduced through demonstrations of how they are applied to navigation in real life. The programme shows how even the most sophisticated technology on ships and aeroplanes uses simple three-figure bearings to plot a course. We see how to:

• use both compass points and angles to describe a direction
• express a bearing as a three-digit number
• construct a ‘north line’ and measure three-figure bearings clockwise from north
• describe a journey using bearings
• use scale drawings to represent real journeys

The programme could be used to introduce this topic, or to revise the key points. It may be helpful as preparation for students studying Pythagoras’ Theorem or trigonometry, before they tackle questions within these topics involving bearings. The programme emphasises the importance of bearings for modern transportation systems. Clear diagrams and dynamic graphics are used throughout to aid understanding of the necessary techniques.

The content is linked to the requirements of GCSE Intermediate Mathematics. It includes tips for answering exam questions, and a discussion of a typical exam error (‘Tick or Trash’).

Detailed protractor-and-compass work are not covered in depth, partly because of the wide variations in the scales used on these instruments. Revision of the relevant skills, using the equipment that students are most familiar with, could usefully be done in the classroom prior to viewing. Scale drawings and maps are used, but the programme does not provide detail on drawing and measuring to a given scale. Practical activities with maps and other relevant scale drawings could be incorporated into follow-up activities after watching the programme.