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Description

Overview
Strava Art involves planning and completing a walk, run, or cycle route that draws a picture when displayed on a digital map. This lesson combines geography, art, maths, digital skills, and physical activity, encouraging creative problem-solving and collaboration.
Duration:

Resources

Resources Needed

Smartphones or GPS devices with Strava (or similar app)
Printed local maps (OS or Google Maps)
Tracing paper / pencils / rulers
Highlighters or coloured pens
Safety gear (hi‑vis, first aid kit if off‑site)

Instructions

Planning lesson: 60 minutes
Activity (walk/run/cycle): 30–90 minutes
Reflection/evaluation: 30 minutes


Learning Objectives

Interpret and use maps to plan routes
Apply scale, distance, and direction in a real-world context
Use GPS tracking and digital mapping tools responsibly
Collaborate to design a creative piece of map‑based artwork
Reflect on physical activity, teamwork, and outcomes


Lesson 1: Planning the Strava Art
Starter (10 mins)

Show examples of Strava Art (animals, shapes, words)
Discuss: “How can roads and paths become lines in a drawing?”

Main Activity (40 mins)


Map Exploration

Identify roads, footpaths, parks, landmarks
Discuss scale and distance



Route Design

In small groups, choose a simple image (e.g. star, heart, initials)
Sketch the design over the map using tracing paper
Estimate distance and time needed
Choose suitable start/end points



Risk Assessment

Identify road crossings, traffic, uneven surfaces
Decide walking vs running vs cycling



Plenary (10 mins)

Groups present their route and explain choices
Leader checks feasibility and safety


Lesson 2: Creating the Strava Art
Preparation

Ensure devices are charged and GPS is enabled
Demonstrate starting/stopping activity tracking
Reinforce road safety and group rules

Activity

Scouts complete their planned route
Encourage steady pace and accurate navigation
leaders supervise key checkpoints


Lesson 3: Review & Reflection
Main Activity (20 mins)

Upload and view finished Strava maps
Compare planned design vs final outcome
Discuss distortions caused by route constraints

Reflection Questions

What worked well and why?
What would you change next time?
How accurate was your distance estimate?
How did teamwork affect success?

Creative Extension (10 mins)

Title the artwork
Write a short artist’s statement
Export and print maps for display


Differentiation

Younger / SEN: Pre‑drawn routes, walking only, simpler shapes
Higher ability: Complex images, words, or multiple connected routes
Non‑runners: Cycling, walking, or mixed‑mobility groups

Tags

• gps
• map & Compass
• map reading
• strava

Badge Links

• Hikes - Initial Pre-OSM
• Navigator - Draw map
• Navigator - Locate
• Navigator - Use map