Using GPS to Improve Using GPS to Improve Science & MathScience & Math

Robert MaybenRobert MaybenUA Technology in MotionUA Technology in Motion

GPS IntroductionGPS Introduction

• Global Positioning System (2000)Global Positioning System (2000)

• The GPS is made up of three parts: The GPS is made up of three parts: –At least 24 satellites orbiting the At least 24 satellites orbiting the

Earth Earth –Control and monitoring stations Control and monitoring stations

on Earthon Earth–The GPS receivers owned by usersThe GPS receivers owned by users

GPS ReceiversGPS Receivers

• Electronic devices (cars, handheld)Electronic devices (cars, handheld)

• Determine your approximate Determine your approximate location (within around 6-20 feet) on location (within around 6-20 feet) on the planetthe planet

• Coordinates: Longitude and LatitudeCoordinates: Longitude and Latitude

• Some units have maps, built-in Some units have maps, built-in electronic compasses, & voice electronic compasses, & voice navigationnavigation

GPS ReceiversGPS Receivers

• Costs/Costs/PurchasingPurchasing

• CompaniesCompanies

• FeaturesFeatures

Who’s using GPS?Who’s using GPS?

• Real World ApplicationsReal World Applications– Government AgenciesGovernment Agencies– Army Corps of EngineersArmy Corps of Engineers– ForestryForestry

• AMSTIAMSTI• Classroom TeachersClassroom Teachers• Recreational ApplicationsRecreational Applications– Hunting, Fishing, HikingHunting, Fishing, Hiking– Geocaching Geocaching

What is Geocaching?What is Geocaching?

• Adventure game for GPS usersAdventure game for GPS users

• www.geocaching.comwww.geocaching.com

• CachesCaches

• Finding & Logging CachesFinding & Logging Caches

GPS in the Classroom?GPS in the Classroom?

• Why? GIS2GPS & Teachers & Other ExamplesWhy? GIS2GPS & Teachers & Other Examples

• Math IdeasMath Ideas– Math in the real worldMath in the real world– Geometry & TrigonometryGeometry & Trigonometry– Measurement/Scale/DistanceMeasurement/Scale/Distance

• Science IdeasScience Ideas– LandformsLandforms– ClassificationsClassifications– Data CollectionData Collection