Global Positioning System (GPS)

[Lori Holcomb]

Here are links to two short videos (obtained from http://www.open-video.org) that explain exactly what GPS is, and how it works:

NASADestinationTomorrow - DT11 - GPS
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7848920444891044134&q=N...
3 min 35 sec - Oct 27, 2003

NASASciFiles - How Does GPS Work
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6164350560364300786&q=g...
4 min 26 sec - May 18, 2005

The US Geological Survey has a great website on Educational Resources for GPS. “GPS is an excellent, multidisciplinary, inquiry-driven, field-based, standards-based tool applicable to many subjects, including mathematics, geography, earth science, environmental studies, and more.”
http://education.usgs.gov/common/lessons/gps.html


Discussion question: What are some of the ways you might employ GPS in your classroom?

[Deanna Peck]

Mary,

If you do ever create a CA1 assignment I would love to see it as long as I didn't need paper to complete the work.

[Kristy Meyrickk]

As we read (Language Arts) something new, I always introduce and give background information about the author. It would not be difficult to keep a Google map indicating from where each of the authors we've read during the school year came from. I just might do that starting next week. How cool! The kids would perhaps become more interested, as I am, in the background of the author. They might also become motivated to read more just so they can try to hit every country around the world. I see lots of potential here.