Cardinal Directions Worksheets

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

Cardinal directions are basically the four point or main directions found on a compass. These cardinal points are often signified with the beginning letter of the word: North (N), South (S), East (E), West (W). We use these points to communicate position changes and headings that allow us to navigate on all types of surfaces (land, air, sea). Mathematically all of these points are found in 90-degree intervals. Most students will use these as a reference to learn how to read analog clocks. Students can use these worksheets to help them learn how to navigate with the help of compass and cardinal points.

Cardinal Directions Worksheets To Print:

Shape Drawing - You will use the instructions that are provided for you to draw shapes and color them.

Animals Around the Compass - Answer each question with the name of the correct animal.

Using Legends - Cut and paste each picture into the correct box according to the legend.

Northeast US - Explain the realtive position of states in the Northeast.

At the Park - Connect the locations of all of the spots in the park.

Around the Clock - Label the compass. Use the words in the word box.

Across the Country - Explain the positions of States of America relative to one another.

The Map of Town - Below are the directions for how to get from Point A to Point B. Fill in the blanks with the correct positions.

Using Maps - Explain the nature and neighbors of the country that you live in.

Cut and Paste - Cut and paste to label the compass.

The Fountain - You are given a central fountain that you will use a series of instructions that you draw other objects around.

North, South, East, West - You will become very familar with those points in this worksheet.

Remember the Compass? - You will create short sentence that are inspired by what else...

Map Drawing - You will create an entire backyard scene based on a series of sentences.

Complete Review - Some students will be experts at this already. Others will be seeing it for the first time.

What Are Cardinal Directions?


Cardinal points refer to the primary set of four main directions used worldwide. We call them North, East, South, and West. They are popularly known by their initials N, E, S, and W respectively. The North and South refer to the Earth's two magnetic poles, while the East and West refer to its rotation on its axis.

 

What are the Locations?


Starting from the North at the top, each cardinal direction is located at an equal distance of 90 degrees. Moving clockwise from the North, first comes the East and then the South and the West.


You can use the Sun's movement to determine cardinal directions because the Sun always rises in the East and sets in the West. To figure out your directions, point your left arm hand towards the Sun in the East. The west is in the exact opposite direction of your left arm. You are currently facing the South, and the North is at your back.


A compass can also be used to point out the directions. It is a tool with a magnetic needle that shows the cardinal directions. The magnetic needle of the compass aligns with the point at the magnetic field of Earth, which is almost in the North. (There is a slight difference between the Earth's magnetic North and the geographic North Pole because of rotation).

 

Why Are They Called Cardinal Points?


The word cardinal is used to represent a whole number, not a number that lies in between. For example, 1, 2, 3, and 4 are whole numbers, while the numbers 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 lie between those whole numbers. Similarly, East, West, North, and South are the exact directions without any deviation, compared to the directions like Northwest and Southeast that lie in between.

 

Difference between Cardinal & Ordinal/Inter-cardinal Points


Between two cardinal points lies a set of ordinal points. There are two categories of ordinal points: primary and secondary.


Primary ordinal points lie at equal distances between the cardinal points. For example, the Northwest lies halfway between the North and the West. There are four primary ordinal points Northeast, Southeast, Northwest, and Southwest.


Secondary ordinal points lie between each cardinal and primary ordinal point. There are eight secondary ordinal directions, including West Northwest (WNW), North-Northwest (NNW), North-Northeast (NNE), East-Northeast (ENE), East-southeast (ESE), South-Southeast (SSE), South-Southwest (SSW), and West-Southwest (WSW).

 

Why Do We Use Them?


Cardinal directions are a universal means of navigation. They help us know where we stand (current location) and how to reach a different place from there.


Cardinal directions become the base for creating and using maps, compass, and other navigational tools. We need the tools integrated with cardinal directions for outdoor activities like camping, trekking, backpacking, and hiking. They can even become a lifesaver for someone stranded in an unfamiliar place. Therefore, everyone should learn how to determine the cardinal directions and use navigational tools.