Teacher Notes and Instructions for Chain Surveying Activity
This activity requires a minimum of four children in the active roles but works with groups of eight to ten.
Depending on the time and teaching assistance available, larger numbers should be split into smaller
groups with each group undertaking the activity in turn. Small groups can do the survey and record the
information at the same time. With two or more groups, one group can do the surveying while the
others observe and record the information. The activity is suitable for children of most levels and
aptitudes. The only mathematical skill required is the ability to count the number of links on a chain.
Basic geometry (i.e. familiarity with right-angle triangles and angles) is useful to understand the
technique but it is not essential.
Method
1. Divide the children into groups as required.
2. In each group appoint the following:
a. Surveyor (who can wear the hat for the exercise).
b. Two (or more, up to five) surveying assistants.
c. A recorder (alternatively another group can do this).
Other children can be used as objects to be surveyed. The various tasks can be rotated through the
group so that all the children can experience the different roles.
3. On the exercise area, two of the surveyor’s assistants can lay out the first chain, which is pulled
taut and then the ends kept in position and marked by chaining pegs. This is the baseline chain
and can be left in-situ for the exercise. If children are being used as objects to be surveyed,
send them out into suitable positions (see rough plan below). They need to stand still in their
positions until surveyed. For the purpose of the exercise it is easier to take measurements only
on one side of the chain not both.
‘Surveying objects’
Chain
‘Surveyor’
‘Surveying assistant’
‘Surveying
assistant’
Surveying
area
Chaining peg
Surveyor’s line-of-sight
for sighting objects
