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Lesson Report: GPS Trial Run



Your Name:

Name of Your School:

Grade:

Theme/Lesson Title: GPS Trial Run

Application of Learning:
  • Solving Problems
  • Communicating
  • Using Technology
  • Working on Teams
  • Making Connections
    •      		Subject Area:
  • Science
  • Math
  • Writing
    •
    Technology Utilization:
  • Hand-held GPS Unit
  • Web Form
    •      		Student Artifacts:
  • Notebooks/Journals
  • Web Pages / Field Reports
    •
    Resources:
  • Camp Internet GPS Pages
  • ESRI What is GPS Web Pages
  • GPS Unit Instruction Manual
    •      		Materials and Supplies Needed:
  • Notebooks/Clipboard
  • Observation Worksheet
  • GPS Unit
    •
    Unit Goals:
  • Students will learn the basics of using a GPS Unit.
  • Students will locate various sites and record their locations by latitude and longitude.
  • Students will record their observations of features at each location (buildings, flora, fauna).
  • Students will use the compass feature of the GPS unit to determine direction.
  • Students will mark waypoints and use the route feature of the GPS unit to trace their route.
    •      		Learning Goals Addressed:
  • Science: Explain use of geographic markers and analyze and navigate Earth.
  • Math: Understand mapping coordinate system of latitude and longitude.
  • Science: Learn to make and record observations.
  • Writing: Learn to write reports based on observations.
    •

    Lesson Activities

  • 1. With GPS unit in hand, explain how to turn the unit on, off, and move forward and back from screen to screen.
  • 2. Explain necessary features of the status, position, and compass screens.
  • 3. Divide class into groups of 4-5. Each group take turns using the GPS unit, identifying pre-determined objects and reporting latitude, longitude, and description/observations.
  • 4. Distribute activity worksheets and begin.
  • 5. At stops, note latitude, longitude, and observations on activity worksheet.
  • 6. (Optional) Use the GPS unit to mark waypoints at start and stops of route, and retrace route using GPS directional screen.
  • 7. In classroom, prepare field reports of locations and observations from worksheets and notes.
    •  Describe the Particulars of Your Project. What Are You Observing?:


    Location of Your Project - Where Are You Making Your Observations?:

    Latitude:

    Longitude:

    Altitude


    Observation Date:


    Note Some General Observations At This Location: