Arrow of Light Estimations Adventure

Printable requirements for the Arrow of Light Estimations Adventure

Checkoff sheet to keep track of your den’s progress on the Arrow of Light Estimations Adventure

Arrow of Light Badge Checkoff Sheet

Time of Day

Estimate the time of day.

For the second requirement of the Arrow of Light Estimations Adventure, AOL Scouts learn to estimate the time of day without using a watch or clock. This is a valuable skill for outdoor activities and camping.

Shadow Stick Method

• Place a stick upright in the ground where it can catch the sun. The shadow cast by the stick will move as the sun moves across the sky.
• In the morning, the shadow points west and gets shorter as noon approaches.
• After noon, the shadow grows longer and points east.
• Scouts can estimate the time based on the length and direction of the shadow.

Hand Method

• By holding out a hand, palm facing you, and lining up the horizon with the bottom of your hand, you can estimate time until sunset.
• Each finger width between the sun and the horizon represents about 15 minutes.
• Stack hands if you need to estimate more than an hour.
• Never look directly at the sun.

Here are some options for fulfilling Arrow of Light Estimations Adventure requirement 2:

• Hands of Time
  • Estimate time using your hands and the position of the sun in the sky. 
  • Supplies: Sun in the Sky graphic
  • outdoor, very low energy, minimal prep
• Sunny Sundials
  • Create a sundial to estimate the time of day.
  • Supplies: construction paper, stiff cardboard, large bowl for tracing, pencils, scissors, unsharpened pencils or straws, putty or soft clay, small stones or clear tape, dark marker, Sundial image
  • outdoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep

These methods help AOL Scouts develop a better sense of time and improve their observational skills. This not only adds to their independence but also enhances their ability to plan and execute activities more efficiently while outdoors.

Height of a Distant Object

Estimate the height of a distant object.

For the third requirement of the Arrow of Light Estimations Adventure, AOL Scouts learn how to estimate the height of distant objects. This is a useful skill for outdoor activities like hiking or planning a campsite.

Stick Method

• Have one person whose height is known stand next to the object.
• Hold a stick at arm’s length, making sure the stick is vertical. Carefully walk backwards until the stick appears the same height as your friend.
• Use the stick to measure the object from bottom to top by counting how many lengths of the stick fit along the height of the object.
• Multiply the number of lengths to cover the whole object by the height of the person standing next to it. That is the height of the object.

Shadow Method

1. Measure the length of the object’s shadow on the ground using a tape measure or by pacing it out with steps.
2. Measure the length of the shadow of a known height object (like a 1-meter stick) that is nearby.
3. Measure the actual height of the known height object.
4. Use the following formula to estimate the height of the object:
   Height of the object=(Shadow length of the object / Shadow length of the known height object) × Height of the known height object

Here are some options for fulfilling Arrow of Light Estimations Adventure requirement 3:

• Stick Method
  • Use a stick to estimate the height of a tall object. 
  • Supplies: measuring tape, straight sticks
  • outdoor, high energy, minimal prep
• What is a Theodolite?
  • Create a theodolite to estimate the height of an object. 
  • Supplies: protractor template, cardstock, paper, string, metal washer, measuring tape, scissors, hole punch, tape, pencils, paper
  • outdoor, moderate energy, 3 to 5 days prep

These methods help Scouts practice quick thinking and applying basic math skills in real-life scenarios. They also make outdoor experiences more engaging and educational by integrating practical skills.

Distance Between Two Points

Estimate the distance between two points.

For the fourth requirement of the Arrow of Light Estimations Adventure, AOL Scouts learn how to estimate the distance between two points. This is a useful skill in many outdoor activities, such as hiking or setting up a campsite.

Here are methods Scouts can use to estimate distances:

Stride Length Method

1. First, measure your average stride length. You can do this by walking a known distance, like 10 meters, counting your steps, and dividing the total distance by the number of steps.
2. Walk between the two points you want to measure, counting your steps.
3. Multiply the number of steps by your stride length to estimate the distance.

The Thumb Rule Method

1. Extend your arm fully and make a thumbs-up sign.
2. Close one eye, and align your thumb with a fixed point in the distance of known width.
3. Without moving your head or arm, close the open eye and open the closed eye.
4. Your thumb will seem to be in a different place in the distant background. The bigger the jump, the closer the object.
5. Estimate the distance based on how much your thumb moves relative to the object and multiplying by 10.
6. For example, if you are looking at a car which is about 15 feet long, and your thumb appears to move halfway along the car, then that is 7.5 feet. Multiply by 10. The car is about 75 feet away.

Here is an option for fulfilling Arrow of Light Estimations Adventure requirement 4:

• Going the Distance
  • Find the distance between two points on a known map. 
  • Supplies: printed maps with scales, index cards, rulers, pencils, paper
  • indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep

These methods help Scouts practice their observation and estimation skills, and they can be fun ways to interact with the environment during scouting activities.

Before any activity, check the SAFE Checklist to make sure everyone is safe. Everyone involved in Scouting America activities should know the Guide to Safe Scouting and other relevant guides or books. Also follow any state or local rules that are more strict than Scouting America rules and guidelines.

Before starting this Adventure:

• Review the Food Allergies safety moment.
• Check each Cub Scout’s BSA Annual Health and Medical Record for any food allergies or restrictions.
• Ask if any den members, youth or adults, have religious or cultural dietary concerns.
• If someone carries an EpiPen for severe allergies, make sure at least one other adult knows how to use it. Review the Safety Moment on anaphylaxis to learn more.
• Review the Keep Your Food Safe guide to properly store and prepare food.
• Review safety guidelines for sun viewing.

More information

The Arrow of Light Estimations Adventure encourages Scouts to use math in practical, everyday situations. By estimating amounts, times, distances, and heights, Scouts learn to apply basic math outside the classroom in real-life scenarios. This not only makes math fun but also shows its importance in daily life.

In this adventure, Scouts tackle different tasks like estimating how much food is needed for a meal, guessing the time of day without a clock, and determining the height of distant objects or the distance between two points. These activities help Scouts develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They learn to make quick decisions and assess situations using estimation, which can be crucial during camping trips or outdoor activities.

Working on the Estimations Adventure helps Scouts grow more confident in their mathematical abilities. It transforms their perception of math from a school subject to a valuable tool that can be used in exciting and useful ways. As Scouts work together on these estimation tasks, they also enhance their teamwork skills, learning to collaborate and support one another.

The Arrow of Light Estimations Adventure is about seeing the practical side of math, working together, and having fun while preparing for more advanced scouting activities in Scouts BSA. Through this adventure, AOL Scouts get a taste of how essential skills can be developed through engaging and hands-on experiences.